Apology aside, Billy Porter still has reservations about Vogue's choice to use Harry Styles as the face of genderfluid and non-binary fashion in 2020.
This was clear when he gave an interview with the Telegraph in which he shared his thoughts on the matter.
Billy said, "It's not Harry Styles' fault that he happens to be white and cute and straight and fit into the infrastructure that way. I call out the gatekeepers."
According to the "Cinderella" star, it's because of his whiteness and heterosexuality that propelled the Grammy-winning artist to land on a magazine cover without ever officially declaring his sexuality.
Billy even described the "As It Was" singer as "white" and "straight."
"Non-binary blah blah blah blah. No. It doesn't feel good to me. You're using my community - or your people are using my community - to elevate you."
The actor added, "You haven't had to sacrifice anything."
Before Harry was granted the cover, Anna Wintour and Billy Porter discussed how to promote the de-gendering of the fashion movement through Vogue.
Subsequently, the 73-year-old editor-in-chief gave the "Watermelon Sugar" hitmaker his first solo American Vogue cover at age 29.
The "Pose" star revealed to a UK publication his surprise at the question posed by Anna, "How can we do better?" He wished he had voiced his idea of what should be done: using Vogue's influence to boost those leading the de-gendering of fashion movement.
What Did Billy Porter Say About Harry Styles?
In October 2021, Billy Porter was vocal about Harry Styles' historic cover for Vogue, in which he wore a Gucci gown.
"I changed the whole game," he told The Sunday Times. "This isn't ego talking; it's just a fact. I was the first to do it, and now everyone is following suit."
Billy wore a gown to the Met Gala that same year.
"The fashion industry has accepted me because they have to. I'm not necessarily convinced, and here is why: I created the conversation, yet Vogue still put Harry Styles, a straight white man, in a dress on their cover for the first time."
Without naming names, the Emmy winner expressed concerns about Vogue's choice of Harry Styles to represent this new conversation.
"No disrespect to Harry Styles, but will he be used to lead this discussion?" he asked rhetorically.
A few weeks later, Billy attempted to right his wrongs by expressing remorse for his comments and ensuring Harry that he held no ill will towards him.
On "Late Show with Stephen Colbert," he declared: "Harry Styles, I apologize to you for having your name in my mouth."
"It's not about you. The conversation is not about you. The conversation is deeper than that. It is about the systems of oppression and erasure of people of color who contribute to the culture."
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