TL;DR
- Margaret Cho turned down a role in ‘Heated Rivalry’ due to fears of ICE detention.
- She criticized the Trump administration and its treatment of immigrants.
- Cho expressed her disappointment but remains vocal about her beliefs.
- She hopes to reconsider the role in the future.
- Cho calls for a more aggressive approach from Democrats.
In a world where art and activism often collide, Margaret Cho is a shining example of how to wield a microphone like a sword. The out bisexual comic, known for her unapologetic humor and fierce advocacy, recently revealed a heartbreaking decision that highlights the chilling effects of political climate on creative expression. Cho turned down a role in the much-anticipated series ‘Heated Rivalry’ out of fear that her vocal criticism of the Trump administration would make her a target for detention by ICE at the Canadian border.
On a recent episode of the podcast I Never Liked You, hosted by Matteo Lane and Nick Smith, Cho opened up about the script she received for the pilot. “Last year, I got a script for a pilot script for a show that I really loved, but it shot in Canada and I was so scared because I’m so vocal about hating ICE and hating this administration,” she explained. “It was Heated Rivalry.” Her words were laced with the kind of anxiety that many in the LGBTQ community can relate to, especially those who have faced discrimination or hostility due to their identity.
https://www.youtu.be/gpNmAVYT-Aw?si=FQBeWt9kBD14mdJG
Cho’s fears were not unfounded. “I will get detained at the border and I will be put in ICE detention if I go,” she said, revealing the internal struggle that led her to ultimately decline the role. “I had to talk to all these people about it and I was super upset, and I said ‘no.'” The hosts were visibly shocked, and when they asked if she still watched the series, her response was a mix of longing and regret: “I watched it. I hosted some rewatch parties and it kills me. Like, it kills me, and it’s all because of Trump.”
But Cho is not one to back down quietly. She has been a fierce critic of the Trump administration, stating on another podcast, “They have a kink. Their kink is cruelty. They love to see the suffering of immigrants and trans people.” Her words resonate deeply within the LGBTQ community, as they reflect a broader struggle against systemic oppression. Cho believes that the pendulum of politics will swing back, and she is ready for the reckoning that she believes is coming. “When it swings back, we will punish them. They will be put in prison,’ she asserted, emphasizing the need for accountability.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/gpNmAVYT-Aw?rel=0
As a proud Democrat, Cho also called out her own party for their reluctance to take a stand. “I want to believe in Democrats. I am a Democrat, but I also feel like there’s this weird attachment to decorum and taking the high road, and none of that is gonna work,” she said. “We need somebody, we need a feral, bloodthirsty, violent Democrat. Like, we just need somebody who is willing to put them all in prison and, you know, do the right thing and put them all in prison.” Cho’s call for a more aggressive approach is a rallying cry for those who feel that the current political climate demands bold action.
This isn’t the first time Cho has used her platform for activism. In 2017, she delivered a powerful “State of the Union” address that encouraged viewers to survive the Trump era through art and protest. Her refusal to participate in Trump’s reality show, The Apprentice, despite being invited multiple times, further demonstrates her commitment to her principles.
Margaret Cho’s story is a reminder that the fight for justice and representation is ongoing. As she navigates her career in the entertainment industry, her courage to speak out against injustice inspires many in the LGBTQ community and beyond. Whether or not she returns to ‘Heated Rivalry,’ one thing is clear: Margaret Cho will continue to use her voice to challenge the status quo and advocate for those who need it most.