Heated Rivalry actor Harrison Browne is 'overwhelmed by love' after calling out transphobic comments

Browne joined Hudson Williams and François Arnaud in condemning toxic behaviour within parts of the show’s fandom

Actor and former professional hockey player Harrison Browne says he has been “overwhelmed by love” after calling out transphobic comments he received online following his involvement in the LGBTQ+ sports drama Heated Rivalry.

Earlier in the week, Browne joined fellow cast members Hudson Williams and François Arnaud in condemning toxic behavior within parts of the show’s fandom. The actors shared a message telling critics that hateful comments were not welcome, emphasizing that the cast stands in solidarity with one another.

Browne later reposted the statement and added that he had personally received “transphobic comments,” sharing examples of messages aimed at him after his casting in the series.

After speaking out, the actor returned to social media to thank fans for their support. In an Instagram story, Browne expressed appreciation for those who reached out, saying the positive response meant a lot to him and did not go unnoticed.

Browne, 32, is widely known as the first openly transgender professional hockey player, having come out publicly in 2016 during his playing career. After retiring from the sport, he transitioned into acting and advocacy, using his platform to promote greater visibility and representation for transgender people.

In Heated Rivalry, a hockey-themed LGBTQ+ drama based on the novels by Rachel Reid, Browne appears as Connors, a member of the Boston Raiders team. The series follows the complicated romance between rival players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie.

Despite the backlash he highlighted earlier in the week, Browne said the outpouring of encouragement from fans has helped counter the negativity, leaving him grateful for the supportive community around the show.