Pros at turning shabby to fab, the stars of Fixer Upper, Chip and Joanna Gaines, are still trying to repair their reputation after 2016 allegations that cast them as being racist and anti-LGBTQ.
Now, the couple are faced with a new set of controversies, involving a collaboration with a major store that promoted a “trans Satanist” designer, and their fans–some fiercely devoted–are waiting to hear their explanation.
Building an empire as home renovation experts, the home improvement couple built their fame on HGTV’s wildly popular show Fixer Upper (2013 to 2017).
When the show was canceled by HGTV, the Gaineses expanded their Magnolia brand–celebrating 20 years this October–with a magazine, bedding and lifestyles products, and the Magnolia Market at the Silos, a shopping space that covers two city blocks in downtown Waco, TX.
But, it didn’t stop there.
In 2021, the power couple partnered with Discovery Inc. and launched the Magnolia Network, which features several Fixer Upper revivals, like Fixer Upper: Welcome Home and Fixer Upper: The Hotel, the latter that will air this year.
The couple said they left HGTV at the peak of their popularity because they needed a break, but some skeptics say their temporary exit was strategic.
In 2016 the couple faced major backlash after reports surfaced, placing them as members of a church led by a pastor who’s openly opposed same-sex marriages.
Chip and Joanna, who live near Waco, attended the nearby Antioch Community Church, headed by pastor Jimmy Siebert, who according to USA Today, “told his congregation that homosexuality is a sin.”
But Fox News reports that Pastor Siebert denies accusations of being intolerant. “We are not only not anti-gay, but we are pro-helping people in their journey to find out who God is and who He has made them to be,” he said in the exclusive interview. “For us–our heart has always been to love Jesus, preach the word of God and help people in their journey.”
Though Joanna said she’s been waiting for the opportunity to speak on the incident, both her and her husband were quiet until an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2021.
“Sometimes I’m like, ‘Can I just make a statement?’” Joanna recalled, and according to THR, she was “tearing up a little.”
“The accusations that get thrown at you, like ‘You’re a racist’ or “You don’t like people in the LGBTQ community’–that’s the stuff that really eats my lunch, because it’s so far from who we really are,” said Joanna, 45. “That’s the stuff that keeps me up.”
Chip, 48, emphasizing the inclusive and diverse environment in Magnolia that also promotes black-owned brands, continued, “As an American white male, it’s hard to be perfectly diverse…In our own company, we’ve got nearly 700 employees, and one of our biggest passions is making this group represent all people.”
Magnolia’s flagship series, Mind for Design is hosted by openly gay designer Brian Patrick Flynn, who married his partner Hollis Smith in 2017.
But Chip and Joanna continued a downward spiral when it was revealed that there had been no same-sex couples featured on Fixer Upper. In addition, The Dallas Morning News reported the couple made a $1000 donation to Chip’s sister and her school board campaign, which she advocated against teaching critical race theory. THR confirms that Joanna and Chip made the donation many months before the campaign platform was formed.
THR also noted that the couple has not addressed the donation or the show’s selection of couples.
Joanna–mom to five children, Drake, 18, Ella, 16, Duke, 15, Emmy, 13, Crew, 4–is mixed race and said that growing up she experienced racism and wouldn’t want others feeling the pain of exclusion.
“My mom is so tough, but with one look or comment, I would just see her shut down,” Joanna shared in THR. “That’s why she didn’t know how to help me when I would come home and say, ‘So-and-so called me this.’ It was also happening to her. Growing up as half-Asian, half-Caucasian, I get what that feels like to not be accepted and to not be loved. That’s the last thing I want anyone to ever feel.”
Controversy seems to follow Chip and Joanna. On May 26, they were targeted by political columnist Benny Johnson for their partnership with Target, involving some of the retailer’s Pride month products.
In a Twitter clip, Johnson points out that in a Target location, the wholesome Hearth and Hand, the lifestyle brand owned by Chip and Joanna, are within 10 steps of Pride items intended for adults only, like onesies for toddlers, and products designed by Erik Carnell, who he alleges is a trans Satanist.
The clip went viral and has over 7 million views online.
On Carnell’s website, he sells a badge reading, “Satan respects pronouns.”
Carnell, the 29-year-old British designer, spoke with the Washington Post (as per Newsweek) insisting he’s not a Satanist: “For starters, I don’t believe in Satan. If I believed in Satan, I’d have to believe in the Bible–and I consider myself an atheist.”
Facing boycott, Target removed items from its LGBTQ range of products.
Despite criticisms flooding Chip’s Instagram–Joanna’s is closed to comments–neither has addressed this issue.
Last week, Chip posted an adorable photo of Joanna, honoring their 20th anniversary. He writes: 20 years with the most incredible, most powerful, most beautiful woman I’ve ever known. You’ve given me the most beautiful life and I’m so grateful to God for you. 20 years ago today, you made me the happiest man on earth. Thank you for everything Jo.”
Fans used it as a platform to offer their opinions on their collaboration with a store that featured a designer they still call a Satanist, mostly asking the couple for an explanation.
One fan writes, “Have so much respect and appreciation for you both because of your christian values and family first ideals. My heart breaks that you have not spoken up and made your feelings clear to Target about supporting a Satanic designer and images. Pride month should have nothing to do with children and (Satan).” Another says, “Joanne won’t allow comments on her post since April 12th. Your Silence speaks volumes. If you have something to contribute that is different from what is being spread all over social media, we’re all ears.”
Meanwhile, one follower jumps to their defence: “OMG…can’t the man wish his wife a happy anniversary without people turning a heart warming post into a political matter?! Different show, different channel people! GEEEZE!!!”
It can’t be easy to monitor product placement in every store but perhaps all Chip and Joanna Gaines need to do is speak about what happened, so fans know their truth. What do you think about what’s happening with Chip and Joanna?
