TikTok personality Grant Gibbs has apologized after facing criticism for speculating about the sexuality of Crumbl Cookies co-founder Sawyer Hemsley. The apology came shortly after Hemsley publicly came out as gay on August 25, saying he wanted to share his story “in [his] own words” rather than have others define it for him. His announcement followed weeks of online speculation, some of it driven by Gibbs’ content.
Gibbs, known as one half of the influencer and musician duo A Twink and a Redhead, addressed the controversy in a TikTok video on August 26. “This was not my intention to ever out somebody in this way,” he said, while congratulating Hemsley and adding, “I’m so happy for you and so proud of you.” He captioned the video, “I’m genuinely sorry I clocked your tea in such a massive way.”
The creator admitted it was “nasty” to speculate about Hemsley’s sexuality to his 218,000 followers and said he regretted how widely the videos spread. Still, Gibbs argued that he was only joining “a conversation already being had” online and claimed he was referencing public information.
Before Hemsley’s statement, Gibbs had posted two videos—in late August—suggesting the entrepreneur was closeted. In one, he remarked that Hemsley was “definitely closeted in a way that’s trying to protect his cash,” though he acknowledged people should not be forcibly outed. In another, he insisted Hemsley’s success meant he could “survive” such speculation.
Hemsley did not reference Gibbs in his coming-out statement, in contrast to the extensive commentary Gibbs has since offered.
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