Actress Camryn Manheim Faces Backlash Over Comments About Son's Sexuality

Actress Camryn Manheim has sparked an online backlash after making remarks at a Human Rights Campaign (HRC) gala about her son's sexuality. Manheim, presenting the Ally for Equality Award to her friend Marcia Gay Harden, stated that she had always wanted a gay son and expressed frustration that her own child, Milo Manheim, is heterosexual.

Manheim, known for her role in "The Practice," described her desire for a "gay son" and the perceived advantages of that relationship, lamenting, "I wanted to be the picket sign-holding mom who would beat the s— out of somebody for her kid. I mean, let’s just admit it, gay sons are the best, right? Right!"

She continued by describing her son, actor Milo Manheim, who is known for his role in the Disney Channel film franchise "Zombies." She recounted instances, such as finding a pair of "thigh-high patent leather boots" in a package, which she interpreted as her son being less aligned with a perceived gay persona. She stated, "I mean, truly, I thought I had this f—ing thing locked up, but no, no, he’s the only straight guy in his entire musical theater company."

Manheim’s comments, made at the HRC’s National Dinner, drew immediate criticism on social media. Users expressed dismay and disgust, with some commentators calling the remarks "mentally ill" and others questioning the effect such sentiments might have on a child.

The Human Rights Campaign is described as America’s largest civil rights organization focused on LGBTQ+ equality. The organization hosts numerous fundraising events, including dinners, to support its advocacy and mobilization efforts. Manheim's remarks were delivered during one such event, aimed at electing pro-equality leaders and promoting equity-based policies.