Jeff Goldblum Under Fire For Islam Comments Made On ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’

Jeff Goldblum is facing social media backlash for asking if Islam was “anti-homosexuality” and “anti-woman” during Friday night’s episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the comments were made on the show, which is now in its 12th season, after the seven remaining queens on the show participated in a catwalk with a “Stars & Stripes” theme. Jackie Cox (whose non-drag name is Darius Rose) sported a red-striped caftan with a midnight blue hijab complete with 50 silver stars.

“You can be Middle Eastern, you can be Muslim and you can still be American,” said Cox, who is Iranian-Canadian. Goldblum, who was a guest judge on the episode, asked Cox, “Are you religious, may I ask?”

“I’m not,” Cox replied. “To be honest, this outfit really represents the importance that visibility for people of religious minorities need to have in this country.”

Goldblum pushed forward, pressing Cox about Islam and how the faith treats LGBTQ people. “Is there something in this religion that is anti-homosexuality and anti-woman? Does that complicate the issue? I’m just raising it and thinking out loud and maybe being stupid.”

Goldblum was immediately slammed on social media, with users noting that Islam is not the only religion that has historically discriminated against women and the LGBTQ community. Jeff’s timing could not be worse either as Thursday evening marked the start of Ramadan, a holy month of fasting for the religion.

RuPaul, perhaps trying to de-escalate the conversation, noted that “drag has always shaken the tree, so to speak. There are so many different layers to this presentation. If it was ever going to be done, this is the stage to do it.”

Cox became tearful and shared that “it’s a complex issue” and she has her “own misgivings about the way LGBT people are treated in the Middle East.”

“At the same time, I am one,” Cox continued. “What is so important to me is that if you just happen to be different, then live that truth.”

Cox then spoke about particular religion-based travel restrictions that have occurred in the United States. “When the Muslim ban happened, it really destroyed a lot of my faith in this country. And really hurt my family. And that’s so wrong to me,” said Cox.

“I had to show America that you can be LGBT and from the Middle East and there’s going to be complicated shit around that and that’s okay. But I’m here and I deserve to be in America just as much as anyone else.”

Michael is a music and television junkie keen on most things that are not a complete and total bore. You can follow him on Twitter — @Tweetskoor

Stream RuPaul's Drag Rage on VH1