JoJo Siwa, the 21-year-old star of Celebrity Big Brother, has recently found herself at the center of controversy regarding her close friendship with fellow housemate Chris Hughes, a former contestant on Love Island. The pair's interactions have raised eyebrows, especially after they were accused of sharing a bed on the show. However, Siwa has assured fans that her partner, Kath Ebbs, 'won't care' about the friendship, despite the online backlash that has forced them to disable comments on social media.
In the opening minutes of the episode aired on April 23, 2025, JoJo jumped into bed with Chris shortly after waking up, prompting fellow housemate Danny Beard to question whether she had spent the night with him. JoJo quickly denied this, laughing off the insinuation and claiming that Kath would not be upset. "She wouldn't care," JoJo said, trying to downplay the situation amidst growing speculation.
Later in the episode, JoJo discussed her friendship with Chris with housemate Donna Preston, expressing concern over the possibility of Chris being evicted. Chris, who had been nursing a foot injury, asked JoJo to help him 'wash it,' which led to Donna commenting on their close bond, likening them to a married couple. JoJo admitted that their relationship had filled emotional gaps for both of them, stating, "Chris has filled the gap for my mum, dad, and brother, while I feel I've filled the space for his friends and family on the show." This sentiment highlighted the emotional support they have provided each other during their time in the house.
JoJo's relationship with Kath Ebbs, a 27-year-old Australian actor and DJ, has also been a topic of discussion among fans. The couple went public with their partnership in early 2025, and JoJo has previously described it as a 'very mature relationship.' In a recent interview, she shared, "I am so happy. It's taught me so much about life, love, and respect, and it's a beautiful thing." The pair began dating in January 2025 after meeting through mutual friends and bonding over line dancing.
Despite the challenges posed by her friendship with Chris, JoJo has remained supportive of Kath. Following a recent incident where actor Mickey Rourke made homophobic remarks towards her, Kath publicly defended JoJo, praising Chris for standing up for her during that difficult moment. Kath expressed gratitude for Chris's support, saying, "Thank you, Chris, for doing my job. I was very upset, and when I saw him backing her, it made me feel a little bit better." This support has been crucial as JoJo navigates her evolving identity and the scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye.
In a candid moment during a livestream earlier this week, JoJo opened up about her sexuality, stating, "I feel so queer," and reflecting on her past labels. "I've always told myself I'm a lesbian, but being here has made me realize I am not a lesbian; I’m queer," she confessed. This revelation follows her earlier identification as pansexual in 2021, showcasing her journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
JoJo's evolving identity has sparked conversations about sexuality in the LGBTQ+ community, with the term 'queer' often used as an umbrella term for those who identify outside of traditional heterosexual norms. LGBTQ charity Stonewall defines it as a term for those wanting to reject specific labels of sexual orientation and gender identity, emphasizing the fluidity of identity.
As tensions surrounding JoJo's friendship with Chris continue to grow, the couple's relationship remains strong. They have been seen sharing intimate moments, including playful banter and physical affection, which some fans have interpreted as crossing boundaries. Fellow housemate Danny Beard even joked, "You two either need to f**k or stop... your bird is about to pull you when you get out; you'll have a front-page spread in The Sun." Such remarks have only intensified the scrutiny faced by JoJo and Chris.
In a recent episode, JoJo received a letter from Kath that was read aloud by Chris. The letter included a message from JoJo's mother, Jessalyn, stating, "Kath’s keen to see you when you get out." JoJo reflected on the letter, expressing her longing for Kath and her frustration that Kath did not include an 'I love you' in the note. "I do have beef to pick with them though; they didn’t even say in the note that they love me," JoJo quipped, highlighting her playful yet serious approach to their relationship.
As JoJo navigates her time in the Big Brother house, her relationship with Kath and her friendship with Chris continue to be focal points of discussion among fans and viewers. With the show airing on ITV1 and ITVX, audiences are eagerly watching how these dynamics unfold and what they mean for JoJo's journey of self-exploration and love.
JoJo Siwa's experience on Celebrity Big Brother serves as a reminder of the complexities of relationships in the public eye, especially for those in the LGBTQ+ community. As she embraces her identity and navigates friendships, fans are left wondering how her story will evolve in the coming weeks.
