JoJo Siwa opens up about Miley Cyrus’ WorldPride joke: “I wasn’t sure how I felt”

When Miley Cyrus cracked a controversial joke at WorldPride about “bringing JoJo Siwa back out of the closet,” fans were divided — and so was Siwa herself. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the young entertainer addressed the moment with honesty, reflection, and a powerful reminder that identity is not fixed, but fluid.

A moment caught on camera, and shared with the world

During the recent WorldPride celebration in Washington, D.C., pop icon Miley Cyrus appeared in a pre-recorded video that quickly went viral. Standing inside a closet, she quipped, “I’m going back inside to get more pretzels and find JoJo Siwa and bring her back out.” What might have been intended as a playful remark referencing Siwa’s evolving romantic life quickly drew attention for its deeper implications.

JoJo Siwa, 22, had previously identified publicly as a lesbian. However, her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother UK this year led to an unexpected connection with fellow contestant Chris Hughes. After weeks of speculation, the two confirmed their relationship earlier this month — a move that surprised fans who associated Siwa with her former relationship with Kath Ebbs, a non-binary partner.

While some interpreted Cyrus’ comment as humorous, others criticized it for trivializing sexuality and identity. For Siwa, the joke hit more personally than some might have expected.

JoJo’s thoughtful response

In an Instagram post shared on June 12, Siwa broke her silence. She accompanied her message with childhood photos of herself at a Miley Cyrus-themed birthday party and a more recent shot alongside her lifelong idol. Her caption was equal parts nostalgic, candid, and insightful. “I was happy at my 5th birthday having a Miley themed party, and I’m still happy now at 22…” she wrote. “If you know me, you know that Miley is my day 1 — grew up beyond inspired by her from 2 years old on.”

While she initially struggled to interpret her feelings, Siwa eventually landed on a perspective marked by understanding but clear boundaries. “I wasn’t sure how I felt about things for a couple of days,” she admitted. “But I’ve started to come to some thoughts… I don’t believe what Miley said at WorldPride was ill intended. Honestly, I think it was meant to be a joke — but just not a very good one haha. Not what the world, or myself, needs to hear any day of the week.”

In the face of public scrutiny, Siwa’s words struck a balance between admiration and gentle accountability — a reflection of the complicated dynamic that often exists between fans and their icons.

A private conversation, and public lessons

After the clip gained traction online, Siwa reached out to Cyrus privately to clear the air. The exchange was short but seemingly reassuring. According to Siwa, Miley replied to her message with the words: “All love. Always.”

For many fans, that brief but supportive reply symbolized a mutual understanding — though it didn’t erase the impact of the original joke. Still, Siwa used the experience as a teaching moment, not only for herself but for others navigating identity and self-acceptance.

“Honestly, the most beautiful thing I’ve learned in the last 5 years is that love is a gorgeous rainbow,” she reflected in her post. “Don’t question yourself, don’t second guess yourself — just love. Love love love love love.” Her message echoed sentiments familiar to the LGBTQ+ community: the understanding that sexuality can be fluid, and that identity is not always easily labeled. In a world that often demands clarity and categorization, Siwa’s evolving journey is a reminder that it’s okay to simply be in process.

A call for kindness and self-acceptance

Perhaps the most powerful part of Siwa’s response came in her conclusion — not a dramatic clapback, but a call to compassion, especially when dealing with loved ones and public figures. “People judge no matter what,” she wrote, “and it can be very hard, especially when it comes from someone you love and look up to… but if you feel happy and content with yourself, that’s most important. You get one life… hold onto it, make it yours, find your happy, and love.”

At just 22, JoJo Siwa has become one of the most visible queer voices of her generation. From coming out publicly in 2021 to now exploring love beyond labels, her openness has helped shift conversations around identity for young fans across the globe.

Miley Cyrus, for her part, has long embraced her role as an LGBTQ+ ally, and her reply to Siwa’s message suggests she remains supportive. But this moment, and Siwa’s reaction to it, remind us all that even well-intentioned jokes carry weight — especially when they intersect with someone’s personal evolution.

In the end, JoJo’s message stands on its own: thoughtful, forgiving, and deeply human. A reminder that it’s okay to change. And that the most important thing is to love — yourself and others — fully and freely.