Full Breakdown
Hudson Williams Faces Backlash Over Resurfaced Swastika Photo
6/9/2026, 4:24:40 AM
Resurfaced Photo Sparks Controversy
A photograph from Hudson Williams’ high-school years in a small Canadian town resurfaced on X in early June, coinciding with Pride Month. The image shows the 25-year-old actor’s face covered in Sharpie markings, including a swastika drawn on his forehead. The post, captioned “hudson williams stuns in newly shared photo,” initially received 19 likes before spreading widely across the platform.
Tradition Behind the Markings
The markings were applied during an annual campout tradition in Williams’ hometown, where underage participants drank and drew on each other’s bodies with markers. Sources told TMZ that Williams was unaware of what was being drawn on his face at the time. A friend described the incident as “a group of underage kids doing ‘dumb things’ while under the influence.”
Hudson Williams’ Recent Profile
Williams stars as the lead in HBO Max’s *Heated Rivalry*, which averaged 10.6 million U.S. viewers per episode and won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Drama Series, with Williams receiving Best Lead Performer. In December he and co-star Connor Storrie appeared unannounced in West Hollywood’s Rainbow District, raising $1,500 for Rainbow Labs, a nonprofit for queer youth. He is straight and attended the Vanity Fair Oscars red carpet in March with girlfriend Katelyn Rose Larson.
Data & Statistics
The series averaged 10.6 million U.S. viewers per episode, won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Drama Series, and raised $1,500 for Rainbow Labs at the December event.
Official Statements & Responses
Williams’ representatives have not commented. A source told TMZ that the markings never reflected his beliefs, values, or character and that Williams considers the behavior wholly inexcusable. In a December Deadline interview, Williams said he wants queer people to tell queer stories. He also told Evan Ross Katz that he and Storrie felt they had to acquire in a short period what many actors take years to achieve.
Criticism & Opposition
Social-media users condemned the photo’s resurgence during Pride Month, labeling the swastika “offensive” and demanding accountability. The caption and rapid sharing amplified the backlash and sparked debate over public-figure responsibility for past actions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Williams and his publicist have not issued a comment, leaving his personal response unknown. The person who drew the swastika has not been identified, and details of the high-school tradition rely on second-hand accounts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I want queer people telling queer stories,” — Hudson Williams, Deadline interview, December.
- “The markings do not and have never reflected Hudson's beliefs, values or character,” — Unnamed friend of Hudson Williams.
- “completely inexcusable” — Source close to Hudson Williams.
- “had to learn what a lot of actors get in five years, in like 30 days.” — Hudson Williams, interview with Evan Ross Katz, January.
What’s Next
Season 2 of *Heated Rivalry* begins filming in August; further statements from Williams are pending.
