Xavier Smalls Addresses Intense Backlash Over Anti-LGBTQ+ Comments Amidst 'Beauty In Black' Return

Xavier Smalls, the actor recognised for his role as Angel in the Netflix series Beauty in Black, found himself embroiled in a significant controversy in early 2026. Anti-LGBTQ+ remarks he made during an Instagram Live session resurfaced and rapidly went viral on the same day his show returned to screens. The clip quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing widespread condemnation from both fans and advocacy groups. Within days, Smalls issued a comprehensive public apology, yet the public's reception was far from uniform.

Key Takeaways

• Xavier Smalls faced considerable online criticism in March 2026 after an old Instagram Live clip, in which he referred to LGBTQ+ individuals as an "abomination," was recirculated.
• The contentious comments, originally made on 7 February 2026, gained widespread attention when Beauty in Black Season 2 Part 2 became available on Netflix on 19 March.
• Smalls subsequently released a public apology via Instagram, acknowledging that "the damage done by my words outweighs the intent behind them."
• The actor is biracial, identifying as both Black and white, and was born on 7 November 1997, raised in Sacramento.
• Despite the controversy, Netflix renewed Beauty in Black for a fourth season in July 2026.

Profile Summary

Xavier Smalls' Controversial Remarks: What Was Said?

Xavier Smalls, a cast member in Tyler Perry's Netflix drama Beauty in Black, faced significant criticism following comments he made during an Instagram Live session on 7 February 2026. In the now-viral clip, Smalls engaged in a discussion with his followers regarding religion and what he termed "sinful" behaviours.

During the broadcast, Instagram user Paul Poulos asked Smalls directly if LGBTQ+ individuals would also be subject to condemnation. Smalls affirmed that this applied to them, subsequently categorising LGBTQ+ people alongside "scoffers, mockers, liars," alcoholics, and murderers, labelling them all as "an abomination."

While some individuals defended Smalls by emphasising the religious context of his statements, a substantial number of others unequivocally condemned the remarks as deeply harmful and discriminatory. Entertainment Weekly reported that it had sought comments from representatives for Smalls, Netflix, and Tyler Perry regarding the incident.

The Surge of Backlash in March

The clip, initially recorded in February, gained viral traction after being widely reshared across social media. The renewed attention sparked widespread criticism, coinciding directly with the return of the actor and the Netflix series to public discourse. This intensified backlash occurred as Tyler Perry's Beauty in Black premiered its Season 2 Part 2 on Netflix on 19 March.

Fans of Beauty in Black swiftly highlighted the apparent hypocrisy of Smalls' statements, given his on-screen portrayal of Angel, a male stripper. His character is intricately linked to the club culture depicted in a show that revolves around themes of stripping, seduction, and transactional sex.

That goes for other sinners. Scoffers, mockers, liars, all things that are an abomination. It's not just the LGBT.

Xavier Smalls' Apology: Was Accountability Taken?

Following the viral spread of his resurfaced broadcast, Smalls issued a public apology on his Instagram account. In his statement, the actor acknowledged that he now comprehends "why my approach may have lacked the love, humility, and awareness that I believe God calls us to have."

After looking back at what I said on my Instagram Live, I have taken the time to listen, really listen, through very different eyes and ears to understand why some people felt judged and dismissed. Since the resurfacing of that clip, some very smart people who care greatly about me have helped me truly understand how hurtful my words were and the damage they could create.

Smalls further stated that he had gained a deeper understanding through education regarding the increased vulnerability of LGBTQ+ individuals to suicide, referencing specific cases such as "Tyler Clementi and the nine-year-old boy Jamel Myles… Hearing these stories helped me see more clearly why words can carry so much weight."

He admitted that his comments were hurtful, asserting that "the damage done by my words outweighs the intent behind them."

Every human being deserves dignity, compassion, and most importantly love. I take full accountability for the fact that the damage done by my words outweighs the intent behind them.

Despite his efforts, the apology did not entirely placate the public. While some welcomed his statement, many others remained unconvinced by its sincerity.

Who is Xavier Smalls? Early Life and Background

Xavier Smalls, an American actor and performer, was born on 7 November 1997, in Sacramento, California. He spent his upbringing in the Lincoln Village area of Rancho Cordova. He also has a brother residing in Elk Grove, at whose residence he recorded his audition for Madea's Destination Wedding.

Education and Training

During his high school years, Smalls was a dedicated three-sport athlete, attending West Campus, Rosemont, and Foothill high schools. After completing high school, he enrolled at Sacramento State, initially majoring in Biology. However, he later shifted his academic focus, changing his minor to Theatre before ultimately making it his major and earning a degree in Theatre.

In addition to his university education, Smalls underwent professional training at the esteemed William Esper Studio in New York City. His training there encompassed scene study, acting technique, improvisation, and voice work.

Xavier Smalls' Ethnicity

Xavier Smalls identifies as biracial, with both Black and white heritage. He shared with The Sacramento Bee that he has often been mistakenly perceived as Mexican or Hispanic by others.

Xavier Smalls' Career: From Theatre to Netflix Stardom

Smalls honed his acting skills extensively on stage before achieving his television breakthrough. Despite never being cast in a play at Sacramento State, he enrolled in theatre classes at Sacramento City College specifically to gain auditioning experience, which led to him securing multiple roles in Shakespearean productions. His theatrical credits also include Pipeline at Celebration Arts Theatre, The Merchant of Venice at Sacramento City Theatre, and a virtual school tour with B Street Theatre.

He is most widely recognised for his portrayal of Angel in the Netflix series Beauty in Black, which premiered its first season on Netflix on 24 October 2024. In 2025, Smalls also featured in Madea's Destination Wedding, another production by Tyler Perry released on Netflix.

Xavier Smalls' Filmography

Xavier Smalls and Vanessa Martinez

Xavier Smalls proposed to makeup artist Vanessa Martinez in August 2023, and the couple exchanged vows on 7 December 2024, in Mexico. According to People magazine, they were already parents to one child at the time of their wedding and announced in June 2025 that they were expecting another. Smalls has generally maintained a private stance on his personal life, although he has shared occasional glimpses of his family on his Instagram account.

Latest News: 'Beauty In Black' Renewed for Season 4

Despite the controversy surrounding Smalls, the television series he stars in continues to thrive. Netflix and Tyler Perry reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the Beauty in Black narrative by renewing the drama series for a fourth season. Initially, Netflix had announced that Season 3 would be the show's final instalment, but this decision was subsequently reversed with the fourth-season renewal. The renewal was officially announced on 23 July 2026, ahead of Season 3's debut on 27 August.

The renewal came after a highly successful second season, which spent six weeks in Netflix's Global Top 10 and achieved the number one spot in 17 countries. "Beauty in Black is back for Season 4 and the Bellarie family's story is far from finished," a statement from Netflix affirmed. Notably, this renewal was announced after cast member Xavier Smalls had issued his public apology for the resurfaced anti-LGBTQ+ comments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What did Xavier Smalls say that caused the backlash? Smalls faced backlash for referring to LGBTQ+ individuals as an "abomination" and suggesting they would face condemnation during an Instagram Live session.
2. When did the controversy happen? The original Instagram Live broadcast occurred on 7 February 2026. The clip subsequently went viral after being reshared on social media in March 2026.
3. Did Xavier Smalls apologise? Yes, Smalls issued a public apology after receiving widespread criticism for the remarks he made on social media.
4. What is Xavier Smalls' ethnicity? Xavier Smalls is biracial, identifying as both Black and white.
5. Who are Xavier Smalls' parents? He has not publicly disclosed the names of his parents in interviews with major media outlets. He was born and raised in Sacramento.
6. Is Xavier Smalls married? Yes, he married makeup artist Vanessa Martinez on 7 December 2024, in Mexico, following their engagement in August 2023.
7. What is Xavier Smalls' height? Xavier Smalls stands at an approximate height of 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm).
8. Will Xavier Smalls be in Beauty in Black Season 4? Yes, Xavier Smalls is expected to continue his role in Beauty in Black, as Netflix has renewed the series for a fourth season.

Additionally, details about Tamera Kissen's journey were previously highlighted, covering her background, career trajectory, and her rise from Instagram comedy skits to acting, modelling, and music. Her significant online following played a crucial role in opening doors to opportunities such as MTV’s Wild ’N Out and Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black. Kissen's story illustrates how social media popularity can be successfully leveraged into a diverse entertainment career.