‘Beauty in Black’ Star Xavier Smalls Criticized for Anti-LGBTQ TikTok
Netflix released the newest episodes of Beauty in Black on March 19. The launch coincided with renewed attention on a resurfaced TikTok Live featuring cast member Xavier Smalls.
Resurfaced TikTok Live
In the February livestream, Smalls discussed religion and sin. He said God loves people but suggested divine judgment could still follow.
When a viewer asked about LGBTQ people, Smalls replied that holiness prevents God from dwelling with what he called “unholy” behavior. He also listed other actions he described as sinful, including drunkenness and murder.
Social reaction
The clip circulated widely on social platforms as the show continued its rollout. The story is appearing online under headlines such as ‘Beauty in Black’ Star Xavier Smalls Criticized for Anti-LGBTQ TikTok.
Conversations have focused on whether off-screen statements should affect how audiences view actors’ on-screen work.
Smalls’ background and credits
Xavier Smalls plays Angel in the Tyler Perry drama. His role is part of the show’s central ensemble and has raised his profile.
He graduated from Sacramento State University in 2020. He also trained at New York’s William Esper Studio.
Smalls has appeared in Madea’s Destination Wedding and the short film Shelf Life. He wrote and directed the short Picture Perfect, which centers on mental health and communication.
Season two rollout and future
Beauty in Black premiered in October 2024 and was created by Tyler Perry. The series follows Kimmie, portrayed by Taylor Polidore Williams.
Kimmie is a former exotic dancer who comes to run the Bellarie family’s beauty empire after marrying the family patriarch. Filmogaz.com reports the second part of season two adds eight episodes.
Those episodes expand on family fallout and tensions tied to a central character’s death. The series has already been renewed for a third and final season.
Where to watch
All current episodes of Beauty in Black are available to stream on Netflix. Viewers can watch the newly released episodes there now.
