Harry Styles Claps Back at Queerbaiting Criticism on 'SNL'

Ends Opening Monologue With Male Kiss: 'Now That's Queerbaiting!'

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Harry Styles addressed criticism of queerbaiting during his 'Saturday Night Live' opening monologue, joking about his new album 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally' before ending the segment with a kiss on the lips with cast member Ben Marshall.

Why it matters

Styles has faced ongoing accusations of queerbaiting, the practice of hinting at or implying LGBTQ+ identities for commercial gain without explicitly confirming them. His response on SNL directly addresses these criticisms in a humorous way.

The details

During the monologue, Styles reminisced about his previous SNL hosting gig in 2019, noting that 'back then, people seemed to pay a lot of attention to the clothes I was wearing, something called queerbaiting.' He went on to joke about the title of his new album before multiple female cast members made advances, all of which he denied. When cast member Ben Marshall approached, Styles quipped 'Or if you have a tight little bum!' and kissed him on the lips, saying 'Now that's queerbaating!'

  • Styles last hosted SNL in November 2019.
  • His new album 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.' was released last week.

The players

Harry Styles

An English singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to fame as a member of the boy band One Direction before launching a successful solo career.

Ben Marshall

A cast member on 'Saturday Night Live.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Back then, people seemed to pay a lot of attention to the clothes I was wearing, something called queerbaiting. And some people accused me of it but did it ever occur to you that maybe you don't know everything about me, dad?”

— Harry Styles (SNL)

“I mean, sometimes kissing can be great. You know, if you're really good at it and you're a good person.”

— Harry Styles (SNL)

“Or if you have a tight little bum!”

— Harry Styles (SNL)

“Now that's queerbaiting!”

— Harry Styles (SNL)

What’s next

Styles is set to perform songs from his new album 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.' during his second stint as the host of *SNL*.

The takeaway

Styles' direct response to queerbaiting accusations on *SNL* demonstrates his willingness to engage with and address criticism in a humorous, self-aware manner, further solidifying his status as a pop culture icon unafraid to challenge perceptions about his identity and artistic expression.