The Internet may be ground zero for bullying and trolling, but even its angry denizens have standards—and they, apparently, revolve around the stars of HGTV’s hit series Fixer Upper.
On Tuesday morning, Buzzfeed published a piece about the show’s stars, married couple Chip and Joanna Gaines, whose Waco, Texas, home renovation business has inspired a nation of DIYers to embrace “demo day,” to stock up on shiplap wall decor, and to believe that doing remodeling work with your spouse will be a fun and enriching experience.
The “expose” claimed that Chip and JoJo’s church, Antioch Community Church in Waco, preaches against same-sex marriage, and that the show’s stars, described as “dear friends” of Antioch’s pastor, might share his conservative beliefs.
The article’s purpose wasn’t clear, but the Internet assumed Buzzfeed was looking to shame the show’s stars, and social media users—from both sides of the political aisle—responded with full (and sarcastic) force.
Because no one bullies Fixer Upper.
. @KateAurthur ’s manufactured hit piece on Chip and Joanna Gaines is one giant written eyeroll.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) November 30, 2016
@Cosmopolitan if the bf and I met them, I'm sure they'd be incredibly gracious. They have one of the best shows on TV. Gaines>Kardashians
— Jonathan Woodruff (@WoodruffJW) November 30, 2016
Leave @chippergaines and @joannagaines ALONE. Their message and show are awesome https://t.co/wgRL1JuoS9 via @resurgent
— Gabriella Hoffman (@Gabby_Hoffman) November 30, 2016
https://twitter.com/RickcNov/status/804058662641815552
Leave Chip and Joanna Gaines Alone | The Resurgent https://t.co/TG1PkGpK4W pic.twitter.com/LoprlOQMAL
— Chris Lively (@clivelyone75) November 30, 2016
We don’t know where Chip and Joanna Gaines stand on gay rights, gun control, or the Standing Rock protests. Their silence is deafening.
— Paul Szoldra (@PaulSzoldra) November 30, 2016
@usweekly Why does it matter? I love the show. They don't owe us anything. No one should feel pressure to share their beliefs.
— Rebecca Kennedy (@blondie071978) November 30, 2016
@usweekly it's not a secret they are conservative Christians. I don't agree with them but they don't hide that fact.
— Andrew Dzurisin (@ewdrew1977) November 29, 2016
@usweekly why post this???They are good people! This could cause so much hate toward them! So wrong! Media always trying to ruin people!
— @babybleu40 (@bmcartmell30) November 30, 2016
Chip and Joanna’s show is now on its fourth season on HGTV, and if the Internet masses are any indication, probably won’t be canceled anytime soon, no matter what Buzzfeed says.
