Actress Camryn Manheim sparked widespread online backlash following her appearance at the Human Rights Campaign’s National Dinner in Washington, D.C. She delivered a speech joking about her son’s heteros*xuality. The Emmy-winning star of The Practice and Law & Order addressed the crowd while presenting the Ally for Equality Award to her friend and fellow actress, Marcia Gay Harden.
- Details of the Controversial Gala Speech
- Public Reaction and Social Media Outcry
- Background on Milo Manheim
- Frequently Asked Questions About Camryn Manheim
- Who is Camryn Manheim?
- What did Camryn Manheim say at the Human Rights Campaign dinner?
- Who is Camryn Manheim’s son?
- How did the public react to the speech?
- Has Camryn Manheim responded to the backlash?
During her presentation remarks, Manheim reflected on Harden’s family and noted that all three of Harden’s children identify with the LGBTQ+ community. Manheim told the audience that this dynamic deeply irritated her because she had always wanted a gay son. She proceeded to detail her personal disappointment regarding the s*xual orientation of her only child, 25-year-old actor Milo Manheim.
Details of the Controversial Gala Speech
Manheim shared anecdotes about raising her son, who was conceived via sperm donation from her close friend Jeffrey Brezovar. She recounted dressing Milo in high heels and full drag during his childhood, admitting that she believed she had his s*xual orientation secured.
“I love that relationship between gay sons and their mothers,” Manheim said from the stage. “I wanted to be the picket sign-holding mom who would fight for her kid. I mean, let’s just admit it, gay sons are the best, right? Right!”
She added that despite her expectations, Milo turned out to be “the only straight guy in his entire musical theater company.” Manheim also recalled calling Harden a decade ago after Harden’s son came out, telling her fellow actress, “Oh my God, you are so lucky!”
Public Reaction and Social Media Outcry
While the remarks drew laughter and applause from attendees inside the gala, video clips circulating online quickly generated intense criticism from conservative commentators and social media users. Critics argued that Manheim’s comments reduced LGBTQ+ identity to a trendy accessory or a maternal fantasy. Others questioned the appropriateness of publicly lamenting a child’s heteros*xual orientation.
Right-wing commentator Peachy Keenan questioned the remarks on social media, writing, “How do any straight males survive mothers like this? It’s a miracle some of them come out normal.” Other online personalities and radio hosts echoed similar sentiments, characterizing the comments as performative and tone-deaf.
Neither Camryn Manheim nor representatives for the Human Rights Campaign immediately issued public statements in response to the online backlash following the weekend event.
Background on Milo Manheim
Milo Manheim, 25, has built an established acting career separate from the recent controversy. He is best known for his starring role as Zed in the Disney Channel film franchise Zombies, and he finished in second place on season 27 of Dancing with the Stars in 2018.
His recent credits include appearances in the musical film Journey to Bethlehem, the music video for Sabrina Carpenter’s “Feather,” and the series School Spirits. In January 2026, it was announced that he was cast as Flynn Rider in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney’s Tangled, scheduled for release in March 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camryn Manheim
Who is Camryn Manheim?
Camryn Manheim is an Emmy Award-winning American actress widely recognized for her television roles in legal dramas and series such as The Practice, Ghost Whisperer, and Law & Order.
What did Camryn Manheim say at the Human Rights Campaign dinner?
Manheim presented an award to Marcia Gay Harden and joked during her speech that she was envious of Harden because she had always wanted a gay son, expressing mock disappointment that her own son, Milo, is heteros*xual.
Who is Camryn Manheim’s son?
Milo Manheim is a 25-year-old actor best known for starring in the Disney Channel film franchise Zombies and placing second on Dancing with the Stars in 2018.
How did the public react to the speech?
While attendees at the HRC gala applauded the speech, it drew significant online backlash from conservative commentators and social media users who criticized the remarks as inappropriate and performative.
Has Camryn Manheim responded to the backlash?
As of the publication of this report, neither Camryn Manheim nor her representatives have issued a public statement addressing the online criticism.
