NLE Choppa Denies Gay-Baiting Allegations After Playgirl Shoot

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Rapper NLE Choppa is facing backlash and accusations of “gay baiting” following his recent photoshoot for Playgirl magazine, where he showcased a provocative spread that included a glimpse of his backside. The Memphis-born artist, known for hits like “Shotta Flow,” defended his decision, emphasizing his confidence and self-expression.

The controversy erupted over the weekend when the magazine hit shelves, sparking heated debates on social media. Some users criticized the rapper, accusing him of intentionally courting attention from the LGBTQ+ community. One user on X wrote, “The gay baiting is seriously out of control now.” However, others came to Choppa’s defense, praising his honesty and self-assurance.

In response to the criticism, Choppa took to social media to clarify his stance. “Never been gay baiting. It’s me showing freedom,” he wrote. “Anything nowadays is called gay or it’s baiting. In reality, I’m comfortable enough, and have the utmost confidence in how good God designed me head to toe. Call me what you want, but a straight man comfortable in my skin, I AM.”

Choppa expanded on his comments in a follow-up post, stating, “I really don’t care, and I think that’s the problem. I think I don’t care so much that it’s like a disconnect. It’s like since I don’t care so much and I know who I am so much, I just feel like narratives get painted because I don’t care so much.”

This isn’t the first time the rapper has faced such allegations. Last year, he was criticized for provocative photoshoots and lyrics in his 2024 song “Slut Me Out 2,” where he raps, “If I was a bad bitch, I’d wanna fuck me too/I’d wanna suck me too.” Choppa has consistently denied any intent to bait or provoke, instead framing his actions as expressions of self-love and confidence.

In September, Choppa showed his support for the LGBTQ+ community during Atlanta’s Black Pride Weekend. Addressing the crowd, he said, “Every day, man, we wake up and we fight [for] acceptance. Whether it’s our skin color, whether it’s our weight, whether it’s how we look, whether it’s what our sexuality is.” He added, “At the end of the day, I believe in one thing: I feel like everybody is equal.”

Choppa later shared a video of the event on Instagram, captioning it, “As A ‘Rapper’ We’ve Been Washed To Move Opposite Of Love, As I’ve Grown To An ‘Artist’ I’ve Learned To Appreciate Whoever LOVES Your Art!” He concluded the post with, “I Am A Heterosexual Male And If You Are That And You Know That Then What’s The Issue, God Bless.”

Despite the backlash, Choppa remains unapologetic about his choices, framing them as a celebration of individuality and self-expression. Whether his message resonates with critics or not, the rapper continues to stand firm in his beliefs.