Major sports team responds to backlash over viral gay cheerleaders that had Twitter raging

Twitter was engulfed in fierce debate over the weekend as the Minnesota Vikings showcased two gay male cheerleaders called Louie Conn and Blaize Shiek.

Cheerleading is pretty big here in the UK, but over in the United States, it’s a different beast entirely. Case and point: The drama created over the Minnesota Vikings’ new cheerleaders. Alongside 12 other franchises that are introducing new male cheerleaders as part of its dance teams, the Minnesota Vikings introduced Louie Conn and Blaize Shiek’s talents in a series of now viral videos.

It was hardly the shocking story of the century, especially given that male cheerleaders have been a thing for DECADES, but far-right Twitter absolutely lost their minds over it. Even celebrities got in on the action, and I use the term celebrity loosely here. D-list actor Kevin Sorbo, whose career highlights include Meet the Spartans, has turned to right-wing commentary since leaving Hollywood.

“I’ve been a Vikings fan all my life… sigh. I need a new team now,” he wrote on Twitter in a post that has since been viewed 53 million times.

I’ve been a Vikings fan all my life… sigh. I need a new team now. pic.twitter.com/VYLdQxyix7

— Kevin Sorbo (@ksorbs) August 12, 2025

“Why do they have to make everything gay and ret**ded?” one person wrote.

“Wait, what…? The Minnesota Vikings have 2 homo cheerleaders for this season… WTF is Going On?” another said.

But as one person pointed out: “Do people understand that worrying about the 1 male cheerleader standing with 20 beautiful women cheerleaders is, in fact, gayer than actually being gay?”

Anyways, the Minnesota Vikings and the lads themselves have since responded to the gay male cheerleader debacle.

Why does everything have to be so gay nowadays? I’m here to drink beers and watch cheerleaders shake ass. This is terrible to see. #shrink #fagverse pic.twitter.com/fk4JEhVkIn

— Bobby Kane (@BobbyKane127) August 16, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings saw the male cheerleader backlash and gave zero sh*ts

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Right-wing Twitter has a habit of discovering something that’s been around for decades and losing its mind over it, when, unfortunately, a simple Google search would have cleared up the confusion. They’re not the most media literate folks, but we move.

Gay men are not cheerleaders. They are just gay men and no straight man wants to watch them.

— Sadie (@Sadie_NC) August 15, 2025

Louie Conn and Blaize Shiek partially addressed the backlash in an Instagram post, writing, “Wait… did someone say our name?”, but the Minnesota Vikings pulled no punches in its statement.

The team said in a statement: “While many fans may be seeing male cheerleaders for the first time at Vikings games, male cheerleaders have been part of previous Vikings teams and have long been associated with collegiate and professional cheerleading.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blaize Shiek (@blaize_shiek)

“In 2025, approximately one-third of NFL teams have male cheerleaders. Every member of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders program has an impressive dance background and went through the same rigorous audition process.

“Individuals were selected because of their talent, passion for dance and dedication to elevating the game day experience. We support all our cheerleaders and are proud of the role they play as ambassadors of the organisation.”

Other teams are also weathering similar controversies at the moment, not that anyone with their head screwed on is fussed about male cheerleaders.

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Featured image credit: Blaize Shiek/Minnesota Vikings