‘I want a level of privacy’: Heated Rivalry actor Hudson Williams addresses rumours about his sexuality amid viral kissing clip

When Heated Rivalry premiered, it quickly became known for its unapologetically explicit queer romance. But as the show gained traction, attention shifted away from the story and onto its lead actors, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. Fans didn’t just want more scenes — they wanted answers about the actors’ real-life sexualities, especially Williams’, turning curiosity into a full-blown internet debate.




Hudson Williams’ intense chemistry with Connor Storrie, both on screen and during press appearances, fueled speculation almost instantly. Viewers dissected interviews, body language, and off-camera moments, searching for clues. As the chatter grew louder, Williams acknowledged that speculation was inevitable, calling it “the nature of celebrity” in the age of social media.

Still, he drew a firm line when it came to his personal life. “I think there was never a question for me, when I dreamed of becoming in the public eye, that I would want a level of privacy,” he said, making it clear that who he dates or sleeps with is not public property.




As discussions escalated, they began to veer into uncomfortable territory. Fans started pointing out supposed “gay moments,” as though queerness followed a fixed checklist. A viral video believed to show Williams kissing another actor was later revealed to be a case of mistaken identity, while rumours of a hidden girlfriend spread rapidly before Williams shut them down himself.

Despite the noise, Williams has also expressed support for authentic representation, stating, “I want queer people telling queer stories,” while noting that his close bond with Storrie comes from genuine friendship. He added that the two “love expressing that physically,” without needing to define either of them.




Show creator Jacob Tierney, who is openly gay, has been direct about his frustration with the discourse. “I don’t think there’s any reason to get into that stuff,” he said when asked about the actors’ sexualities.

Tierney also pointed out that sexuality cannot be a factor in casting, explaining that what mattered instead was commitment. The actors, he said, approached the roles ready to fully inhabit the story and “make this story feel authentic,” ultimately delivering performances that, in his words, “hit it out of the park.”

In the end, Heated Rivalry has sparked a conversation that extends beyond television. Whether Hudson Williams chooses a label or not, the message from both actor and creator is clear: the work comes first, and everything else is personal.