JoJo Siwa demonstrated unwavering support for her idol Miley Cyrus at the Hannah Montana 20th anniversary celebration on Monday, despite the singer's previous mockery of her sexuality. The 22-year-old entertainer appeared in high spirits, posing for photographers in a stylish purple T-shirt with shimmering details paired with a black pleated skirt.
Event Highlights and Fashion Statements
Miley Cyrus, aged 33, captivated attendees in a dazzling sparkling metallic dress layered over a graphic Hannah Montana t-shirt. She joined the original cast members at the iconic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood for this milestone event. The gathering served as a nostalgic reunion for fans and cast alike, celebrating two decades since the beloved Disney show first aired.
Overcoming Past Controversy
Any lingering tension between the two celebrities appears to have dissipated following Miley's controversial remarks about JoJo's sexuality earlier this year. The incident occurred when Miley participated in a video message for World Pride in June, where she made light of JoJo's coming out journey and her subsequent relationship with former Love Island star Chris Hughes.
In the video, Miley quipped from inside a closet: 'Oh, my God, I haven't been in here since sixth grade! Enjoy coming out of the closet if this Pride is the time for you. It shouldn't be a month - it should be a year; it should be infinite.' She concluded with laughter: 'I'm going back inside to get more pretzels and find JoJo Siwa and bring her back out.'
While the audience at the Washington D.C. festival responded with cheers and applause, online reactions were considerably less favorable. Many social media users criticized Miley for what they deemed an 'unnecessary' and insensitive dig at JoJo's personal journey.
JoJo's Evolving Identity and Relationship
Just days after the controversy, JoJo clarified her sexuality following her relationship with Chris Hughes, whom she met during Celebrity Big Brother last year. The performer initially came out as part of the LGBTQ community in 2021, identifying first as pansexual before embracing lesbian identity. She now prefers the term 'queer' to describe her orientation.
'I think the most beautiful term now is queer. I think queer is an umbrella of, "Look, I'm just me,"' JoJo explained. 'And I think the most beautiful thing about the LGBTQIA community is love. And that goes both ways.'
She elaborated further: 'There's loads of beautiful, different sexualities. Sexuality and queerness is a lovely rainbow that has all different places, and it also has places on this rainbow that we don't even know exist yet.'
Public Displays of Affection and Long-Distance Challenges
On the same day as the Hannah Montana event, JoJo shared several intimate photographs with Chris Hughes on Instagram, including one capturing them kissing at Disney. Another image showed Chris wrapping his arms around JoJo during a sunny stroll, highlighting their growing bond.
The couple maintains a long-distance relationship, with JoJo residing in America while Chris lives in England. Earlier this month, JoJo became emotional in a TikTok video, admitting 'it never gets easier' when Chris returns to the UK after visits.
Relationship Development and Future Plans
JoJo and Chris first connected on Celebrity Big Brother in April, where they developed a close friendship that eventually blossomed into romance. Their growing bond led to speculation among viewers, and shortly after the show's afterparty, JoJo ended her relationship with Australian influencer Kath Ebbs.
Reflecting on their journey, JoJo recently shared a gallery of photos from their time on Celebrity Big Brother, writing: '10 months ago I entered the house that changed my life forever. Three weeks with some of the best strangers I've ever met, three weeks of letting loose having fun, and three weeks of not even realizing it, but finding myself and comfort and pride within myself.'
She continued: 'Right around a year ago, I knew I was lost in who I was, but I wasn't sure how to fix it and find who I was. A love greater than one can imagine, a bond strong, stronger than I knew was possible. Where it began.'
Looking Toward the Future
The couple has already described each other as 'the one', with JoJo expressing that starting a family with Chris feels like her destiny. In a recent interview, she revealed they have discussed children and potential names, though she keeps these private for now.
'I have names that I really, really like and that I've spoken to him about. But I've never said them publicly,' JoJo disclosed. 'But now that we're this much further along, I have a relationship with his family. He has a relationship with my family. It just feels like destiny.'
Despite past controversies and geographical challenges, JoJo remains confident in her happiness and relationship choices. 'I feel so in the right position for myself. I feel so content with my happiness. I feel so relaxed and at ease with where I'm at,' she stated. 'You can't really help who you fall in love with.'
