Harry Styles addresses ‘queerbaiting' in SNL monologue before kissing cast member Ben Marshall

Harry Styles returned to Saturday Night Live on yesterday, using his opening monologue to briefly address long‑running accusations of “queerbaiting” before ending the segment with a light‑hearted on‑stage kiss with cast member Ben Marshall.

The 32‑year‑old singer, hosting the show for the second time, acknowledged that scrutiny surrounding his fashion and persona has been a recurring theme throughout his solo career. Reflecting on earlier years, he said people had “paid a lot of attention to the clothes I was wearing” and “accused me of something called queerbaiting,” adding jokingly: “Did it ever occur to you that maybe you don’t know everything about me, Dad?” 

Styles also spoke about taking time away from music after completing his 2023 tour, playfully describing himself as “tremendously boring” during his hiatus. He then turned to his new album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally., explaining that the title originated from a humorous prompt he fed into ChatGPT.

The monologue culminated with Styles interacting with several SNL cast members. After rejecting flirtatious advances from female performers, he shared a quick kiss with cast member Ben Marshall, punctuating the moment with the line: “Now that’s queerbaiting!”

While the kiss was presented primarily as a comedic beat within the show, its inclusion inevitably reignited discussion around Styles’ approach to queer representation - something he did not expand upon directly during the broadcast.

Accusations of queerbaiting have followed Styles for several years, particularly as he rose to prominence as a solo artist known for gender‑fluid fashion, pearl necklaces, painted nails and colourful clothing that drew on queer aesthetics. Critics have argued that his styling, coupled with a refusal to publicly define his sexuality, created ambiguity that some audiences interpreted as deliberately suggestive. 

Styles’ appearance comes as he begins promoting Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally., with more television performances and a forthcoming tour expected in the coming months.