TikTok Star Grant Gibbs ‘Genuinely Sorry’ After ‘Outing’ Crumbl Cookies Founder Sawyer Hemsley

TikTok star Grant Gibbs, known as half of the influencer duo “A Twink and a Redhead,” found himself at the center of an online controversy after posting a widely viewed video speculating about the sexuality of Crumbl Cookies co-founder Sawyer Hemsley. The original video, posted Friday, August 22, featured Gibbs humorously questioning Hemsley’s perceived sexuality to his audience of over 218,000 followers. Captioned “Y’all I’m dying 😭 can someone fill me in on the tea with him bc I quite literally have never seen a gayer man 😭,” the video quickly went viral, amassing over 19 million views and spawning a flurry of online commentary .

Hemsley, who had not previously addressed his sexuality publicly, responded to the speculation by coming out as gay on Monday, August 25. He stated, “Instead of letting others write my story, I want to share it in my own words,” taking control of the narrative after rampant online speculation .

Following Hemsley’s announcement, Gibbs posted a follow-up video and statement on Tuesday, August 26, addressing the impact of his earlier comments. Gibbs stated, “This was not my intention to ever out somebody in this way, but girl, I am so happy for you and so proud of you. You are hot and you’re going to live your best out gay open life, mama… But you guys, I did not mean for this to happen the way it did. I’m so sorry, Sawyer” . In his video, Gibbs admitted that speculating about Hemsley’s sexuality was “nasty of me” and asserted that he “didn’t mean for it to end up like this.”

The apology, which Gibbs captioned “I’m genuinely sorry I clocked your tea in such a massive way, but I am really happy and proud of you sister @SawyerHemsley,” was met with mixed reactions. Some praised Gibbs for taking responsibility and showing support for Hemsley, while others criticized the act of public speculation about someone’s sexuality, regardless of intent .

The incident has reignited discussions in LGBTQ+ circles about the ethics of ‘outing’—the act of publicly revealing someone’s sexual orientation without their consent. Many advocates stress that coming out should be a personal decision, emphasizing the significance of autonomy and safety for LGBTQ+ individuals . The rapid spread of speculation on social media platforms like TikTok demonstrates both the power and the potential harm of digital communities, particularly when influencers with large followings engage in content that can have real-world impacts.

Sawyer Hemsley’s choice to share his story on his own terms was widely commended by LGBTQ+ organizations and individuals online, who noted the importance of reclaiming one’s narrative in the face of public speculation . In a climate where visibility can be both empowering and risky, the community response has emphasized solidarity, privacy, and respect for individual journeys.

Crumbl Cookies, now associated with both viral internet fame and a prominent coming-out story, has not issued an official statement as of press time. However, Hemsley’s openness and resilience have garnered widespread support, with many using the hashtag #LoveIsLove and #ComingOut across platforms to show solidarity .

As LGBTQ+ advocates continue to stress, coming out remains a deeply personal experience, and the community at large is reminded of the importance of empathy, consent, and support—both online and offline.