Michael Imperioli Defends Statement Banning “Bigots” From Watching ‘The Sopranos’: “I Vehemently Oppose Hate” 

Michael Imperioli took to Instagram (again) to clarify his recent statement in which he banned “bigots and homophobes” from watching his work, a move that he said was “satirical and symbolic.”

In a post shared on Tuesday (July 4), the actor stated his since-deleted Instagram post was meant to be an ironic take on the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that a Colorado graphic designer had the constitutional right to refuse her services to same-sex couples.

“After turning down invitations to appear on various news programs, I thought it best just to clarify: The post referred to here was a satirical and symbolic take on where blatantly discriminatory Supreme Court decisions are taking us as a nation: into utter division and possibly far worse,” he wrote.

“I believe in religious freedom, freedom of speech and the right for individuals to pursue happiness. I also believe in the separation of church and state as stated in the First Amendment,” The Sopranos actor explained. “I believe that all people regardless of race, religion, color, creed, gender or sexuality are entitled to freedom, equality, rights and protection under the laws of our nation.”

His pointed statement didn’t end there: “And I vehemently oppose hate, prejudice and bigotry and always have,” he said.

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Imperioli’s original statement forbade “bigots” from watching The White Lotus, Goodfellas, The Sopranos, and any of his other work in response to the Supreme Court’s anti-LGBTQ decision.

“Thank you Supreme Court for allowing me to discriminate and exclude those who I don’t agree with and am opposed to. USA! USA!” he said.

He also battled it out with his followers in the comments of his statement, writing, “Hate and ignorance is not a legitimate point of view.”

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of graphic designer Lorie Smith in a 6-3 decision June 30, stating that forcing her to design wedding websites for same-sex couples would violate her First Amendment rights. Colorado law does not allow discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Per AP, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in her dissent that the decision will “mark gays and lesbians for second-class status.”

“We are taking steps backward,” she stated. “Today is a sad day in American constitutional law and in the lives of LGBT people.”