In an explosive and polarizing statement, Jeanine Pirro, the outspoken Fox News host and former judge, has ignited a national debate by publicly refusing to recognize or celebrate Pride Month. During a live segment on The Five, Pirro described Pride Month as a “politically driven, woke circus” that, in her view, no longer represents “unity or tolerance.” Her comments have sparked immediate controversy, drawing both fierce criticism and support from various corners of American society.

“June used to mean the beginning of summer, family vacations, and American values,” Pirro began during the segment, which aired on June 1st. “Now, every company, every school, and every government office is pressured to fly rainbow flags and push a radical agenda. I’m not celebrating it. ‘WOKE’ doesn’t deserve a month—it deserves a reality check.”

The remarks were met with stunned silence from her co-hosts on The Five, and viewers were left to digest the shocking message. Almost immediately, social media erupted in a firestorm of reactions. The hashtags #BoycottJeanine and #PrideWithPurpose quickly began trending on X (formerly Twitter), as LGBTQ+ advocates, celebrities, and fellow media figures condemned Pirro’s comments.

A Dangerous and Divisive Rhetoric?

Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson was among the first to respond publicly, condemning Pirro’s comments as more than just controversial. “Jeanine Pirro’s words are more than just rhetoric—they contribute to a culture of hate and erasure that puts LGBTQ+ lives at risk. Pride Month is not about politics. It’s about visibility, love, and the right to live freely,” Robinson said, emphasizing that Pride Month serves as a vital space for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate their identities and fight for equal rights.

Pirro’s comments were criticized for being “dangerous,” “dehumanizing,” and “deliberately divisive,” with several high-profile LGBTQ+ activists and public figures speaking out against her stance. Actor and activist George Takei tweeted, “Jeanine Pirro’s words are not only offensive—they are dangerous to the mental and physical well-being of LGBTQ+ people everywhere. To deny us the right to celebrate who we are only fuels hatred.”

On the other side of the debate, conservative groups quickly rallied behind Pirro, praising her for her courage in rejecting what they see as forced political correctness. Right-wing commentator Ben Shapiro voiced his support on social media, writing, “Jeanine Pirro said what millions are afraid to say. Pride Month isn’t about pride anymore—it’s about forcing ideological conformity.”

A Personal Statement of Beliefs

Hours after the backlash began, Pirro posted a video on Instagram where she doubled down on her stance, stating, “I will never apologize for loving my country and standing by traditional values. I have gay friends. But I don’t think we need a parade or a month to define respect.”

Her Instagram video quickly gained traction, racking up over 2 million views, with thousands of mixed comments ranging from praise to condemnation. Some applauded her for voicing what they believe to be the opinion of many Americans who feel that Pride Month has become more about political correctness than the original intent of celebrating LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Others, however, accused her of downplaying the significance of Pride Month, calling her views harmful to the LGBTQ+ community, which continues to fight for recognition and equality.

In the video, Pirro insisted that her refusal to celebrate Pride Month was not an attack on the LGBTQ+ community but a stand against what she considers the “politicization” of social issues. “I have nothing but respect for people of every background, including my gay friends,” she said. “But we don’t need a month to tell us to be respectful. We need to live those values every day.”

The Advertiser Response and Internal Tension at Fox News

As the controversy surrounding Pirro’s remarks intensified, several advertisers reportedly reached out to Fox News, demanding clarification on the network’s stance. Some advertisers, particularly those whose brand identities align with inclusivity and LGBTQ+ rights, expressed concern about associating with a network that employs a host making such contentious statements.

Fox News executives are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, with some insiders suggesting that the network may issue a statement in the coming days. However, at the time of writing, Fox News has remained silent on the matter. This has fueled speculation about whether Pirro’s stance will have any long-term impact on her position at the network or if Fox will take any action to address the backlash.

LGBTQ+ employees at Fox News have also reportedly expressed their discomfort with Pirro’s remarks, with some feeling deeply disturbed by her rejection of Pride Month. As one anonymous source put it, “It’s not just about the political angle—it’s about feeling like your identity isn’t being respected by one of the network’s highest-profile hosts.”

The Impact on Pride Month Celebrations

Despite the controversy sparked by Pirro’s comments, Pride Month celebrations have continued unabated across the country. LGBTQ+ advocates and organizations are using this moment to double down on their efforts to promote visibility, inclusion, and equality. In Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, and many other major cities, Pride parades and events are taking place, with participants emphasizing the importance of continuing the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Raymond Torres, an LGBTQ+ activist in Los Angeles, commented on Pirro’s remarks, saying, “This isn’t new. Every time someone tries to silence us, we get louder, prouder, and more united. We will keep marching, keep speaking out, and keep demanding our rights, no matter how many people like Jeanine Pirro try to push us back.”

Activists have also pointed to the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, including the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in various states, as a reason why Pride Month is still necessary. “Pride is more than just a celebration,” said Torres. “It’s a reminder that our rights are not guaranteed, and we must fight for them every day.”

What’s Next for Jeanine Pirro and the Fox News Network?

As for Jeanine Pirro, the future remains uncertain. While her comments have certainly sparked divisive opinions, they have also cemented her as one of the most provocative figures in political media today. Her stance on Pride Month may have alienated many, but it has also garnered her a following among conservative viewers who share her views.

The next few weeks will likely reveal how Fox News handles the fallout from Pirro’s remarks. Will the network stand by her, or will it distance itself from the controversy? It is also unclear whether this moment will have any long-term effects on Pirro’s career, particularly given the growing pressures on media companies to address inclusivity and representation.

In any case, the debate surrounding Jeanine Pirro’s refusal to celebrate Pride Month highlights the broader culture war taking place in the U.S. today—where issues of identity, inclusion, and respect for diversity are increasingly at the forefront of national discourse. Pirro’s comments have added fuel to the fire, and the debate over Pride Month, political correctness, and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community will continue to shape the conversation for months to come.