‘Beauty in Black’ Actor Xavier Smalls Under Fire Over Controversial LGBT Comments
Actor Xavier Smalls is currently facing intense public scrutiny following the emergence of a social media recording in which he made inflammatory remarks regarding the LGBTQ+ community.
The footage, which originated from an Instagram Live session on February 7, features the television star making direct comparisons between queer individuals and violent criminals.
Smalls, recognized for his portrayal of the character Angel on the Tyler Perry-produced drama Beauty in Black, saw the clip gain significant traction over a month after its initial broadcast. Although the original video was no longer available for direct viewing, a screen recording verified by viewers was provided to major entertainment outlets.
Beauty In Black 'actor', Xavier Smalls says God will not allow the gays into heaven:
— Red Media (@RedMedia_us) March 19, 2026
"Not because he [God] doesn't love you, but he's so holy he can't dwell with unholy people. And that
goes for other sinners…not just the LGBT…" pic.twitter.com/QYMW2XyRXf
During the broadcast, Smalls addressed his audience with a theological argument regarding divine love and the nature of the afterlife. He suggested that while a higher power cares for all people regardless of their lifestyle, certain behaviors would ultimately lead to a spiritual separation after death.
“But, he’ll send you to hell, because when you die, there’s only two places, right? And if you live in sin on this earth, he’s so holy, he’s so grand beyond our imagination, you can’t kick it with him in heaven,” Smalls stated in the video. He further argued that this exclusion is due to a lack of compatibility between holiness and those he deems unholy.
The controversy deepened when a viewer specifically inquired about the fate of LGBTQ+ individuals during the live session. Smalls responded by grouping the community with various other groups he categorized as being in opposition to religious standards.
“That goes for other sinners. Scoffers, mockers, liars, all things that are an abomination. It’s not just the LGBT. If you’re drunk, if you’re an alcoholic, if you’re a murderer, these are all sins that God doesn’t tolerate,” he replied. These comments have sparked a backlash from fans who find the comparison to murderers particularly offensive.
The timing of these remarks is notable as Smalls recently concluded his tenure on the Netflix series, where he played a male stripper. The production has historically featured several prominent LGBTQ+ figures, including Ts Madison, which has made his statements even more surprising to the show’s audience.
Beyond this specific incident, the entertainment industry has seen similar friction recently with figures like Kathie Lee Gifford. During a conversation with Tomi Lahren, Gifford expressed frustration with the expanding LGBTQ+ acronym, suggesting that the community had “really got to stop with that.”
As of March, Xavier Smalls has largely remained out of the public eye following the wrap of Beauty in Black’s third season. While he has no officially announced film projects for the remainder of the year, he has been active in the fitness modeling circuit.
Netflix and Tyler Perry Studios have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the actor’s future with the production house or any potential upcoming collaborations. The series itself remains a top performer for the streaming giant, with discussions regarding a potential spin-off currently circulating in trade publications.
Meanwhile, the LGBTQ+ advocacy group GLAAD has noted a slight decrease in inclusive representation in major streaming dramas during the early year season. They continue to monitor the fallout from Small’s comments as part of their broader effort to promote respectful workplace environments in Hollywood.
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