Latest news with #BacktotheFrontier
New York Post
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Inside Chip and Joanna Gaines' same sex couple scandal – and whether the ‘Fixer Upper' brand will survive it
The Bible Belt is bringing about a reckoning on Chip and Joanna Gaines. The home renovation superstars sparked backlash for featuring a gay couple on their new reality show 'Back to the Frontier.' Conservative Christian leaders like Reverend Franklin Graham – son of late star evangelist Billy Graham – and podcaster Allie Beth Stuckey both slammed their decision, with Graham calling the casting 'very disappointing.' Sources told The Post Chip and Joanna have a tough position to negotiate – satisfying the demands of an increasingly diverse audience across the US and growing their network while staying true to their faith and fanbase. 9 Home renovation superstars Chip and Joanna Gaines sparked backlash for featuring a gay couple on their new reality show 'Back to the Frontier.' FilmMagic Graham was clear in his stance, writing: 'His Word is absolute truth. God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman.' This prompted Chip to pour gasoline on the controversy by tweeting: 'The way of 'modern American Christian culture' is 'Judge 1st, understand later/never.' ' The remark was seen as a rebuke of conservative Christians, who claim the 'Fixer Upper' duo for their own. A source close to Chip and Joanna – who cast married couple Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs and their 10-year-old twin sons on 'Back to the Frontier' – says they have long been inclusive people. 9 Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs with their sons, who were featured on Magnolia Network's 'Back to the Frontier.' Sources told The Post Chip and Joanna have a tough position to negotiate – satisfying the demands of an increasingly diverse audience across the US and growing their network, but also staying true to their faith and fanbase. 2_dallas_dads/Instagram 9 Conservative Christian leaders like Reverend Franklin Graham (pictured) and podcaster Allie Beth Stuckey both slammed Chip and Joanna Gaines for the decision to feature a gay couple on their show. Ron Sachs – CNP for NY Post 'It's uncomfortable for a super traditional audience to come to terms with … [Chip and Joanna] don't live their life the way a traditional conservative evangelical population does,' the source told The Post. 'They've never been concerned with what people think in that capacity – they believe in what's right. 'They believe in what they believe in, if you're traditional minded and you don't believe in that, then that's your prerogative.' The TV couple – parents to five children ranging between 20 and seven in age – are active members of the traditionally conservative Antioch Community Church of Waco. 9 Graham was clear in his stance, speaking for the evangelical Christians who make up a big part of Chip and Joanne's fanbase. @Franklin_Graham/X 9 Chip poured gasoline on the brewing controversy with his incendiary Tweet. @chipgaines/X A source close to the church says this leads evangelical Christians to feel the couple are 'theirs.' 'It's the bible belt — you have a lot of conservatives, a lot of religious people. They see it as [Chip and Joanna] sold out. [Like] some LA director told them to put this gay couple in and they did it for the money,' the second source, who also once worked with the couple, speculated. However, the source also added Antioch would have no problem with the casting. 'They're a pretty progressive church. They wouldn't condemn them for having a gay couple on their show.' 9 Married couple Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs and their 10-year-old twin sons on 'Back to the Frontier,' the show which has sparked all the backlash. 2_dallas_dads/Instagram Magnolia takes Waco Chip and Joanna ricocheted to stardom with their home renovation HGTV show, 'Fixer Upper,' in 2014. It followed the pair's home renovation and redecoration business centered around Waco, Texas, where they turned run-down homes into souped-up modern living spaces. The pair soon built an empire – including a five-acre shopping complex, Magnolia Market, the Magnolia Press coffee shop, the Silos Baking Co. bakery and Magnolia Table restaurant. It catapulted the small Texas town into one of the state's top tourist destinations almost overnight. 9 Over the years, people have noticed Chip and Joanna's lack of diversity in their shows and criticized them for failing to feature LGBTQ+ couples previously. Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery 'The only thing people knew Waco for was Baylor University and David Koresh and the Branch Davidians [cult]. Chip and Joanna brought another positive aspect to Waco,' one source told The Post, although they noted success also brought a downside to the small town. 'There were more and more tourists, people got more and annoyed at the traffic. It was less convenient. [But] most people still have positive feelings about them,' the source added. After launching their lifestyle brand including books, apparel, furniture and design, the pair pulled the plug on 'Fixer Upper' with HGTV in 2017. 9 'The accusations that get thrown at you, like 'You're a racist' or 'You don't like people in the LGBTQ community — that's the stuff that really eats my lunch, because it's so far from who we really are. That's the stuff that keeps me up,' Joanna Gaines told The Hollywood Reporter in 2021. Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images The following year, they teamed up with Discovery Inc., to start their own network, born and bred in their central Texas town. They have since launched a string of shows such as 'Fixer Upper: Welcome Home', 'Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse' and 'Fixer Upper: The Hotel.' However, a third source told The Post they haven't hit the same stride and created a blockbuster like their first show. 'Their network hasn't been the explosive success Discovery hoped for. None of the shows has been a breakout,' a source noted. Fans and Faith Over the years, people have noticed Chip and Joanna's lack of diversity in their shows and criticized them for failing to feature LGBTQ+ couples, something they have previously defended against. 'Sometimes I'm like, 'Can I just make a statement?' Joanna told The Hollywood Reporter in 2021. 9 The first industry source says the backlash faced over the casting on the 'Back to the Frontier' show isn't going to tear down the empire Chip and Joanna Gaines have built. 'The accusations that get thrown at you, like 'You're a racist' or 'You don't like people in the LGBTQ community' — that's the stuff that really eats my lunch, because it's so far from who we really are.' However, sources say their current spat isn't going to tear down the empire they've built. 'How they're dealing with the backlash? You have two people who feel proud to stand on what they actually believe in. It's not keeping them up at night,' the industry source added.
Miami Herald
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Chip Gaines responds to backlash after featuring same-sex couple on new show
HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines' new Magnolia Network recently featured a same-sex couple on their series 'Back to the Frontier.' The show, which also streams on HBO Max, features families as they 'leave the 21st century behind to live as 1800s pioneers.' IMDb describes the series as a 'bold social experiment that will test their strength, stamina, and sense of humor.' One of the families featured on the show is the Hanna-Riggs family, which features dads Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs and their 10-year-old twin sons. After the show's premiere on July 10, son of evangelical pastor Billy Graham, Franklin Graham, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share his thoughts on the show. 'I hope this isn't true, but I read today that Chip and Joanna Gaines are featuring a gay couple in their new series. If it is true, it is very disappointing,' his tweet read. 'While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God's Word. His Word is absolute truth. God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.' Chip Gaines seemingly responded to the backlash with a post of his own, defending the Hanna-Riggs family and others like them. 'Talk, ask (questions), listen.. maybe even learn,' Chip Gaines wrote. 'Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never. It's a sad Sunday when 'non believers' have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian.' In response to Chip Gaines' tweet, conservative social commentator Joel Berry wrote, 'You'll see no hate from me. I'm just sad. I can't let my kids watch your show now, since I'm trying to protect their eyes and hearts from the lies of the world—lies you're now participating in.' 'Also, filter out some of the online vitriol and consider taking to heart some of the substantive concerns and heartbreak from the Christians who make up your fanbase,' Berry continued. 'We should love the sinner—that doesn't mean we celebrate and promote the sin and participate in the multibillion dollar industry dedicated to destroying the family.' 'Don't be sad Joel,' Chip Gaines wrote in response. 'Plenty of other stuff out there. I'm sure everyone will be fine. BUT I sincerely appreciate the advice about taking some of the thoughtful, heartfelt, encouraging constructive criticism to heart.. and I certainly will.' Chip and Joanna Gaines launched Magnolia Network in 2022. Following the backlash, Hanna told Queerty that he is 'super honored that when they were choosing three modern-day families, they did choose a same-sex couple as a modern-day family, because we are. We are your neighbors and your co-workers.'
New York Post
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Chip Gaines slams critics of gay couple in new Magnolia Network reality show
Love is love. Chip Gaines spoke out against the backlash to the same-sex couple featured on the new Magnolia Network reality show 'Back to the Frontier.' 'Talk, ask questions, listen.. maybe even learn,' the 50-year-old wrote on X Sunday. 'Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never.' 9 Chip and Joanna Gaines at AOL HQ in New York City in 2016. FilmMagic 'It's a sad sunday when 'non believers' have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian,' the TV personality added. 9 Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs with their sons. 2_dallas_dads/Instagram Chip's defense came after Evangelical figure Franklin Graham, the son of late pastor Billy Graham, criticized Chip and his wife Joanna, 47, for including gay married couple Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs in the cast of 'Back to the Frontier.' The series, which premiered July 10 on HBO Max and Magnolia Network, follows three modern-day families attempting to live like 19th-century pioneers. Hanna and Riggs live in Dallas, Texas and have 10-year-old twin boys. 9 The Hanna-Riggs family in 'Back to the Frontier.' Magnolia Network 9 'Back to the Frontier' premiered July 10. Magnolia Network 'I hope this isn't true, but I read today that Chip and Joanna Gaines are featuring a gay couple in their new series,' Franklin tweeted last week, 'If It is true, it is very disappointing.' He continued: 'While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God's Word. His Word is absolute truth. God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.' 9 Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs with their twin sons. 2_dallas_dads/Instagram Chip continued to stand up for the couple while replying to fan comments on X. After one user accused Chip of promoting homosexuality,' the father of three responded with a Bible verse about 'gentleness and respect.' 9 Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines attend the Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront 2022. Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery When that same user accused Chip of using the Bible verse 'against' him, Chip wrote back, 'Ha.. I didn't try to use it against you, I did use it against you.. it's pretty weird to have a life verse that has specific messaging and instruction that you don't even come close to applying. But it does seem like you love the attention so enjoy.' 9 Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs with their sons on 'Back to the Frontier.' Magnolia Network In a different exchange, Chip clapped back at a fan who claimed the show was a 'PR nightmare' for the couple. 'Ha.. you don't know us very well if you think PR and 'carefully crafted statements' will have anything to do with this,' he said. 9 Joanna and Chip Gaines. Hanna and Riggs also spoke out about the backlash in a statement on their Instagram Stories. 'Representation matters deeply–especially for those who are still finding the courage to live their truth,' the couple said. 'When families like ours are visible, it opens doors for others to feel safe, loved, and validated. Visibility isn't just about being seen; it's about making sure no one feels alone.' 9 Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs. 2_dallas_dads/Instagram In a July 11 interview with Queerty, Hanna noted the importance of him and his husband being featured on the show. 'This was a great, amazing opportunity to normalize same-sex couples and same-sex families,' he stated. 'I'm super honored that when they were choosing three modern-day families, they did choose a same-sex couple as a modern-day family, because we are. We are your neighbors and your coworkers.' Chip and Joanna rose to fame on their HGTV series 'Fixer Upper' which premiered in 2013. They launched Magnolia Network in 2022.
Buzz Feed
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Chip Gaines Defends Having A Gay Couple On New Show
Last week, Chip and Joanna Gaines's new reality series, Back to the Frontier, aired on Magnolia Network. Chip went on to reply directly to a bunch of people who criticized him and Joanna. One person wrote, 'You'll see no hate from me. I'm just sad. I can't let my kids watch your show now, since I'm trying to protect their eyes and hearts from the lies of the world—lies you're now participating in. Also, filter out some of the online vitriol and consider taking to heart some of the substantive concerns and heartbreak from the Christians who make up your fanbase. We should love the sinner—that doesn't mean we celebrate and promote the sin and participate in the multibillion dollar industry dedicated to destroying the family.' Chip replied, 'Don't be sad... plenty of other stuff out there. I'm sure everyone will be fine. BUT I sincerely appreciate the advice about taking some of the thoughtful, heartfelt, encouraging constructive criticism to heart.. and I certainly will.' Chip and Joanna's show, Back to the Frontier, is available to stream now on HBO Max.
Los Angeles Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Chip and Joanna Gaines' new show features a same-sex married couple. Some Christians are ‘disappointed'
Chip Gaines had a few select words after Samaritan's Purse founder Franklin Graham publicly criticized his and wife Joanna's new HBO Max show for casting a same-sex couple with twins among the three families who are featured. Graham, who is the son of evangelist Billy Graham, wrote Saturday on X that he found it 'very disappointing' to hear that Jason Hanna, Joe Riggs and their boys, Ethan and Lucas, were included on 'Back to the Frontier,' produced by Magnolia Network. Chip and Joanna Gaines created Magnolia and are executive producers on the show. 'I hope this isn't true, but I read today that Chip and Joanna Gaines are featuring a gay couple in their new series. If It is true, it is very disappointing,' Graham wrote. 'While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God's Word. His Word is absolute truth. God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.' The American Family Assn. — which bills itself as a 'pro-family organization' and was formerly known as the National Federation for Decency — chimed in first, posting a statement from Vice President Ed Vitagliano saying, 'This is sad and disappointing, because Chip and Joanna Gaines have been very influential in the evangelical community. Moreover, in the past, they have stood firm on the sanctity of marriage regardless of the personal cost that has entailed. We aren't sure why the Gaines have reversed course, but we are sure of this: Back to the Frontier promotes an unbiblical view of human sexuality, marriage, and family — a view no Christian should embrace.' Chip Gaines, who with his wife belongs to the evangelical Antioch Community Church in Waco, Texas, fired off what seemed to be a reply on Sunday. 'Talk, ask qustns, listen.. maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never,' he wrote on X. 'It's a sad sunday when 'non believers' have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian.' Matt Walsh, a conservative filmmaker, political commentator and podcast host at the Daily Wire, fired back at Chip Gaines with a response that said, 'Maybe you should endeavor to understand the basic moral teachings of your own alleged religion before you give lectures to other people about their lack of understanding.' Two hours after his 'sad sunday' post, Gaines wrote that his family was off to worship, reposting a 2016 tweet in which he said, 'In times of trouble.. you'll find the gaines family at church.' Meanwhile, on her Instagram on Tuesday, Joanna Gaines was promoting all the Magnolia Network shows nominated for Daytime Emmys. Separate from the online back-and-forth, Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs have been posting about their family on their @2_dallas_dads Instagram account since the arrival of the twins in May 2014. 'When our boys were born — our twin boys were born via surrogacy in 2014 — we faced some legal challenges, and so we've always felt it it to be important that we try to be an example for same-sex couples,' Hanna told Queerty in a story published last week. 'And so we're super honored that, when they were choosing three modern day families, they did choose the same[-sex] couple as a modern-day family — because we are; we're your neighbors, and your coworkers. And so it was this amazing opportunity to [continue to] normalize same-sex couples and same-sex families.' 'Back to the Frontier' throws three families — from Alabama, Florida and Texas — into an eight-week scenario that recalls the 1880s. Living on the 'frontier,' the families have to reinforce their own shelters, raise livestock, collect food and manage their supplies. The goal by the end of the show is to gather enough resources to make it through winter. But don't worry — the families are all back in modern air-conditioning right now. 'Through this immersive experience, the families will have to reflect on their relationships and navigate the challenges that come with an 1880s lifestyle,' HBO Max said in a release. The show premiered Thursday. HBO Max did not reply immediately to The Times' request for additional comment Tuesday. Chip and Joanna Gaines were caught up in a different conflict over LGBTQ+ issues in May 2023 after Target, which carries the couple's Magnolia Home line among its household items, came under fire for carrying transgender-targeted items as part of its seasonal Pride Month selections. Some critics also hammered Target's recognition of Pride Month at all. A boycott was urged among right-wing conservatives. They also called for a comment from the couple. 'No one doubts that Chip and Joanna are good people, kind, moral, and aligned with American values,' Fox News host Rachel Campos-Duffy said at the time when she was subbing as host of 'Jesse Watters Primetime.' 'But if I had a line at a company and my name was on it and that brand partnered with a trans Satanist that makes tuck 'em bikinis for kids, I would feel compelled to speak up. 'Now, maybe they're raising questions internally. Of course, that's possible, but why aren't they doing so publicly?' The person whom Campos-Duffy — wife of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy — called a 'trans Satanist' is London designer Erik Carnell, who is trans and whose Abprallen line had partnered with Target until the retailer ended the relationship under pressure from the boycott. Carnell's full line included a design that said 'Satan respects pronouns.' That design was never available at Target, according to CNN. Conservative activist Benny Johnson also posted a video of himself in a Target store at the time, touring the Pride Month section, then walking what he said was '10 steps' to the Magnolia Home display. He referred to Joanna Gaines and her family sarcastically as 'the paragons of Christian entrepreneurs and family values.' 'I've been tweeting about how Christian influencers Chip & Joanna Gaines have not disavowed Target's Satanic child grooming despite the backlash,' he said. 'What I didn't know is the Gaines Section of Target is directly ACROSS from the Groomer section. Not cool.' Chip and Joanna Gaines did not speak out during that controversy.
