Chip and Joanna Gaines Face Controversy Over Same-Sex Couple in New Show

Controversy Erupts as Show Features Same-Sex Couple

Chip and Joanna Gaines, the evangelical HGTV stars known for their hit show Fixer Upper and the Magnolia Network, have sparked significant controversy with their new reality series, Back to the Frontier. The show, which premiered on HBO Max on July 10, follows three families living as 1880s homesteaders without modern amenities. Among the participants is a same-sex couple, Jason Hanna-Riggs and Joe Hanna-Riggs, from Texas, along with their 10-year-old twin sons born via surrogacy. This casting decision has drawn sharp criticism from conservative Christian commentators, while Chip Gaines has publicly called for openness and dialogue.

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The Show and Its Casting

Back to the Frontier places three families in a historical setting near the Canadian Rockies, where they must live without electricity, running water, or modern technology for eight weeks, harvesting their own food and tending to livestock. The inclusion of the Hanna-Riggs family, a same-sex couple, was a deliberate choice by the Gaineses, who serve as executive producers. In an interview with Queerty, Jason Hanna-Riggs explained their motivation for joining the show: “What really inspired me was when I saw the flyer on social media, and I saw a gay couple on the front of that flyer,” emphasizing their goal to “normalize same-sex families.”

This decision marks a departure from the Gaineses’ earlier work, particularly Fixer Upper, which faced criticism in 2016 for not featuring same-sex couples, amid reports that their church pastor preached anti-LGBTQ teachings. The inclusion of the Hanna-Riggs family has been seen by some as a response to past critiques, but it has ignited backlash from audiences who expected the Gaineses to uphold biblical values.

Backlash from Commentators

The casting choice has provoked strong reactions from evangelical leaders and commentators. Franklin Graham, son of an evangelical pastor, expressed disappointment, stating, “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. While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God’s Word.”

Ed Vitagliano, vice president of the American Family Association, criticized the Gaineses, arguing that the Magnolia Network was “expected to uphold” biblical values given the couple’s public faith. He stated, “In the past, [Chip and Joanna Gaines] have stood firm on the sanctity of marriage regardless of the personal cost that has entailed.”

Christian commentator Allie Beth Stuckey was among the most vocal critics, directly addressing Chip Gaines on X. In a post on July 13, she argued that by featuring the same-sex couple, the Gaineses were “rejoicing in wrongdoing & rejecting the truth” by glorifying what she described as “disordered desire” that contradicts biblical teachings. Citing 1 Corinthians 13:6 and Romans 1:26-32, Stuckey asserted that “the most loving thing we can do in every situation is agree with God” and that normalizing sin is “the least loving thing possible.” She further referenced Matthew 19, where Jesus affirms marriage as between one man and one woman, and warned of the spiritual consequences of leading others astray, alluding to a biblical passage about a “millstone.”

Other voices echoed similar sentiments. The Western Journal claimed that Chip’s response to the backlash showed “self-pity, deflection, and smug superiority,” accusing the Gaineses of betraying their Christian fanbase for financial gain. The Augusta Press went further, alleging that the Gaineses were prioritizing “the mighty dollar” over biblical values, with an estimated net worth of over $50 million. Elizabeth Prata, writing for The End Time, called the inclusion of a same-sex couple with surrogacy-born twins “an affront to the traditional values the Gaines’ claim to uphold.”

Chip Gaines’ Response

Chip Gaines addressed the controversy on X, urging critics to engage in open dialogue rather than judgment. On July 13, he posted, “Talk, ask qustns, listen.. maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never.” He further expressed dismay, stating, “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 another post, responding to a critic, Chip wrote, “Well I appreciate that.. sincerely. So if you admire and appreciate us so much. Any chance there’s more to this? But that’s my point.. no one knows. But the ‘Christians’ have certainly come out in full force as if they do know.”

Chip’s comments suggest frustration with what he perceives as quick judgment from the Christian community, advocating for understanding and conversation. He also promoted the show as a “social experiment” and “family time well spent,” emphasizing its broader themes of stepping away from modern life to focus on what matters most.

Broader Context and Past Controversies

The Gaineses have faced scrutiny over their faith and values before. In 2016, a BuzzFeed article highlighted their church’s anti-LGBTQ teachings, although consistently with Biblical teachings. In 2021, they faced criticism for donating to Chip’s sister’s campaign against teaching critical race theory in schools, which some viewed as aligning with conservative causes. These incidents have shaped public perception of the Gaineses as figures who navigate a complex balance between their evangelical roots and their mainstream media presence.

Joanna Gaines addressed past accusations in a 2021 Hollywood Reporter interview, stating, “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.” This suggests the couple’s intent to distance themselves from divisive labels while maintaining their faith-based identity.

By featuring a same-sex couple, the Gaines’ have isolated a huge part of their support base in conservative Christians who believe their decision is a departure from biblical principles. As the Gaineses continue to expand their Magnolia empire, the moment reminds us that a Christians you can’t try and please everyone, no matter how successful you are.