Teoscar Hernández Faces Backlash After Refusing to Support Pride Month on Social Media

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández has sparked controversy after publicly refusing to support Pride Month in a statement posted to his social media. The message, brief but bold, ignited a firestorm of reactions online — especially from progressive and LGBTQ+ circles, often referred to as the “woke” community. Following his remarks, Hernández reportedly received a pointed five-word message from critics: “You will regret this stance.”

The Statement That Sparked Outrage

On June 1, as companies, athletes, and public figures posted messages in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, Teoscar Hernández took a different path. Rather than participate in the widely observed kickoff to Pride Month, he posted the following to his Instagram story:

“I choose not to celebrate Pride Month. I respect everyone, but my beliefs come first.”

The post, which remained visible for several hours before being deleted, immediately began circulating online. Many saw it as a personal expression of religious or cultural values. Others viewed it as a thinly veiled rejection of LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.

The Five-Word Response: “You Will Regret This Stance”

According to sources close to the player, Hernández received hundreds of messages—many supportive, but an overwhelming number critical. Among the most viral responses was a five-word threat that began trending on social media: “You will regret this stance.”

The phrase was reposted across Twitter (X), TikTok, and Instagram with hashtags like #Pride2025, #TeoscarCancelled, and #StandForLove. Some posts accused him of promoting intolerance, while others threatened boycotts or called for the Dodgers to take disciplinary action.

Activist groups and influencers also joined the discussion. LGBTQ+ advocate Carlos Rivera, who has over 1.2 million followers on TikTok, said in a widely viewed video:

“Athletes have a responsibility. You don’t have to wave a rainbow flag, but when you actively distance yourself from a community fighting for acceptance, you send a clear message — and it hurts.”

Supporters Rally Behind Teoscar

Despite the backlash, Hernández also received support from fans and conservative commentators who praised him for standing by his personal values. Many argued that tolerance should go both ways and that Hernández has the right to abstain from participating in cultural movements that conflict with his beliefs.

Outkick columnist Clay Travis tweeted:

“Teoscar Hernández has every right to choose his words and beliefs. Inclusion shouldn’t mean coercion.”

The situation has reignited the larger debate over how far public figures are expected to go in supporting social causes, and whether opting out of certain initiatives automatically equates to hate or bigotry.

The Dodgers’ Delicate Position

The Los Angeles Dodgers, a team with a complicated recent history around Pride events—including last year’s controversy involving the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence—have so far declined to comment directly on Hernández’s post.

A team spokesperson issued a brief statement Monday afternoon:

“We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. Players are entitled to their personal beliefs.”

This neutral stance has drawn criticism from both sides — some calling it cowardly, others praising it as a balanced response in a politically charged moment.

The Bigger Picture: Freedom, Responsibility, and Public Image

Hernández’s situation raises questions that are increasingly common in sports and celebrity culture: How much should personal beliefs play a role in public life? Can someone opt out of a social movement without being labeled intolerant? And where is the line between criticism and coercion?

For now, Teoscar Hernández has not issued a follow-up statement, nor has he apologized. Those close to him say he’s “aware of the reaction, but not backing down.”

Whether this moment becomes a lasting controversy or a fleeting news cycle remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in today’s social media landscape, every word — or lack thereof — carries weight.

And for Hernández, five of them now follow him everywhere: “You will regret this stance.”