JoJo Siwa, the 22-year-old pop sensation and former "Dance Moms" star, has recently been at the center of public discourse due to her evolving personal life and career decisions. In June 2025, Siwa confirmed her relationship with British reality TV personality Chris Hughes, a development that sparked significant discussion within the LGBTQ+ community. Having come out as gay in 2021 and previously identifying as lesbian, Siwa's new relationship led to criticism from some fans who questioned the authenticity of her earlier declarations about her sexuality. Addressing the backlash, Siwa emphasized the fluidity of sexuality, stating that she now identifies as queer and believes that "love is love." (cinemablend.com)
Amidst this personal development, Siwa made the decision to cancel her scheduled performance at Chicago's Back Lot Bash Pride event in late June 2025, citing a "scheduling conflict." This cancellation followed her comments about feeling pressured to label her sexuality, further fueling public conversation about her identity and choices. (metroweekly.com)
In her professional life, Siwa has been navigating significant changes. Reports from June 2025 indicate that she was dropped from Columbia Records, the label that released her 2024 EP "Guilty Pleasure." The EP, which marked a departure from her earlier child-friendly image, received mixed reviews, with critics questioning the production quality and artistic direction. (en.wikipedia.org)
Despite these challenges, Siwa continues to engage with her audience and evolve as an artist. Her journey reflects the complexities of growing up in the public eye and the ongoing conversation about identity and authenticity in the entertainment industry.