What is Queerbaiting? Harry Styles responds to ‘SNL’ accusations, kisses Ben Marshall | Watch Video

During the monologue, Styles acknowledged the discussion surrounding his public image and fashion choices. “People seem to pay attention to what I wear, and some have accused me of ‘queerbaiting’ behaviour,” he said on the show.

Then he joked: “Dad, have you ever thought that maybe you don’t know everything about me?”

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Actors Chloe Fineman and Sarah Sherman made brief appearances, feigning disappointment.

When Ben Marshall walked on stage, Styles leaned in and kissed him on the lips. Moments later, Styles joked, “This is queer baiting.”

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According to USA Today, the label is sometimes applied to public figures who embrace gender-fluid fashion or queer-coded imagery without explicitly identifying themselves as belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.

Styles has faced such accusations before, in part because of his widely discussed bold fashion choices, including a 2020 Vogue cover in which he wore a lace ball gown.

In an earlier appearance, Styles joked that he was on the show to “see and get a feel for it” before hosting next week. Gosling later reciprocated by briefly appearing on Styles’ show to introduce one of his musical performances.