Tucker Carlson and Piers Morgan debate sexuality, culture, and free speech

Piers Morgan told Tucker Carlson, “If you’re gay, you’re gay,” during a heated discussion on sexuality and culture

Tucker Carlson and Piers Morgan engaged in an extended on-air debate on the Tucker Carlson Network this week, discussing the origins of sexual orientation, cultural influences, shifting self-identification trends, and free-speech laws.

The conversation featured numerous disagreements and several noteworthy exchanges.

The discussion opened with Carlson questioning whether rising rates of LGBTQ+ identification have demographic implications.

“What’s wrong with homosexuality? Well, if you encourage it and the rate goes up, people have fewer kids,” he said. “Most gay people don’t have kids. That’s the point I’m making.”

Morgan disagreed with the premise. “People don’t pretend to be gay,” he said.

When Carlson asked whether it is possible for social messaging to influence identity, Morgan responded, “If you’re gay, you’re gay.”

Carlson questioned that conclusion. “We were told that and I believed a lot of things,” he said. Morgan reiterated his view: “Yes. They’re born gay.”

Carlson then asked whether there is scientific evidence demonstrating that sexual orientation is innate. “So there’s a gay gene?” he asked. “Science has been looking for the gay gene for a long time. Where is it?” He later added humorously, “I ordered a gay gene and it hasn’t arrived yet — waiter, where’s my gay gene?”

At one point, Morgan said, “You’re sounding quite homophobic.” Carlson replied, “I’m not afraid of gays at all. I’m just asking actual questions.”

Carlson also referenced anecdotal accounts from people he knows. “I have this conversation with actual gay people,” he said. “A lot of them say, ‘I got molested — that’s why I’m gay.’… I don’t think that’s always true, but I am wondering.”

The conversation turned to international comparisons as Carlson questioned why some countries report lower rates of LGBTQ+ identification.

“Why isn’t that the case in Asia?” he asked. “South Korea, Japan, their self-described homosexuality rates are much lower. So is it genetic? Cultural? People become gay?”

Morgan argued that social acceptance affects whether people are comfortable disclosing their orientation. “They used to be repressed. They used to be illegal,” he said. “You literally were put in a prison cell if you were openly homosexual.”

The exchange then shifted to UK speech laws. “You’ve got people arrested for using the word ‘faggot,’” Carlson said.

“You’re sounding quite homophobic.”

Piers Morgan refuses to acknowledge the rise in homosexuality.

Piers: “If you’re gay, you’re gay.”

Tucker: “I think that you can be moved in that direction through propaganda and pornography.” pic.twitter.com/ssr06c4fF8

— Tucker Carlson Network (@TCNetwork) November 27, 2025

Morgan responded by asking why Carlson did not express equal concern for LGBTQ+ people jailed in countries where homosexuality is criminalized. “Why don’t you feel as angry about people being arrested and put in a prison cell for their sexuality?” he asked.

Carlson answered, “It’s not my culture. It’s not my country. I’m not for arresting anyone.”

The conversation concluded with Carlson saying he was trying to understand the factors behind changing identification rates. “Why can’t we have a non-emotional conversation?” he asked. “Why are you gay? And no one will answer it.”

The discussion circulated widely online, prompting extensive commentary from viewers and observers.