John Hinckley Jr. Claims Influence on Jodie Foster's Sexuality

John Hinckley Jr., known for his attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan in 1981, has made a controversial claim regarding actress Jodie Foster's sexual orientation. In an interview with TMZ, Hinckley suggested that his actions during the assassination attempt traumatized Foster, leading her to identify as a lesbian. He posits that Foster, who publicly came out during the 2013 Golden Globe Awards, was dating men prior to the incident and that his obsession with her played a significant role in shaping her sexuality.

John Hinckley Jr. Claims He Influenced Jodie Foster’s Sexuality After Reagan Assassination AttemptTMZRonald Reagan's Would-Be Assassin Claims He's The Reason Jodie Foster Is A Lesbian

Hinckley's fixation on Foster began in 1976 after he watched her in the film *Taxi Driver*, where she portrayed a young prostitute. He has admitted to stalking her during her time at Yale University, including tracking down her dormitory and sending her letters and poems. Hinckley believed that impressing Foster through violent means, similar to the film's protagonist Travis Bickle, would win her affection. This delusion culminated in his attempt to assassinate Reagan, believing it would garner Foster's attention.

John Hinckley Jr. Claims He Influenced Jodie Foster’s Sexuality After Reagan Assassination Attempt

On March 29, 1981, Hinckley shot six rounds at Reagan outside the Washington D.C. Hilton Hotel, injuring the president and several others, including Press Secretary James Brady, who was left permanently disabled. Hinckley was later found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent over three decades in a mental institution before his release in 2016.

John Hinckley Jr. Claims He Influenced Jodie Foster’s Sexuality After Reagan Assassination Attempt

Foster has not publicly commented on Hinckley's recent claims, and her representatives have remained silent regarding his assertions. It is important to note that Foster has never indicated that Hinckley had any influence on her sexual orientation.

John Hinckley Jr. Claims He Influenced Jodie Foster’s Sexuality After Reagan Assassination Attempt

Hinckley's theory has been met with skepticism and criticism, as many view it as an attempt to shift blame for his actions and seek attention through sensational claims. The lack of evidence supporting his assertion raises questions about the validity of his perspective.

John Hinckley Jr. Claims He Influenced Jodie Foster’s Sexuality After Reagan Assassination Attempt

• “He says he believes his obsession with Jodie Foster and his failed attack on the former president traumatized her and led her to later identify as gay.” — John Hinckley Jr.

John Hinckley Jr. Claims He Influenced Jodie Foster’s Sexuality After Reagan Assassination Attempt

• “He says this is the first time he has spoken publicly about this belief.” — John Hinckley Jr.

John Hinckley Jr. Claims He Influenced Jodie Foster’s Sexuality After Reagan Assassination Attempt

• “Hinckley claims he saw himself in that character.” — John Hinckley Jr., referring to Travis Bickle.

John Hinckley Jr. Claims He Influenced Jodie Foster’s Sexuality After Reagan Assassination Attempt

Hinckley’s claims regarding Jodie Foster's sexuality are part of a broader narrative he is promoting through his memoir, *John Hinckley Jr.: Who I Really Am*. While he attempts to connect his violent past to Foster's personal life, the lack of her acknowledgment and the absence of supporting evidence render his assertions controversial and largely dismissed by the public.

John Hinckley Jr. Claims He Influenced Jodie Foster’s Sexuality After Reagan Assassination Attempt