Joanna Gaines of “Fixer Upper” fame wants to set the record straight when it comes to past claims that she and her husband Chip are racist. She herself faced racism growing up the in south and the popular DIY star wants the world to know their truth.
“Sometimes I’m like, ‘Can I just make a statement?’” Joanna told The Hollywood Reporter as she began to tear up. “The accusations that get thrown at you, like you’re a racist or you don’t like people in the LGBTQ community, that’s the stuff that really eats my lunch — because it’s so far from who we really are. That’s the stuff that keeps me up.”
Joanna went on to reveal that she’s faced racism herself in the past as a woman of Asian descent growing up in Texas and Kansas.
“My mom is so tough, but with one look or comment, I would just see her shut down,” she explained. “That’s why she didn’t know how to help me when I would come home and say, ‘So-and-so called me this.’ It was also happening to her. Growing up as half-Asian, half-Caucasian, I get what that feels like to not be accepted and to not be loved. That’s the last thing I want anyone to ever feel.”
Chip also spoke out to say that their new venture Magnolia Network, which is set to debut on Discovery+ July 15, is committed to diversity both in front of and behind the camera.
“As an American white male, it’s hard to be perfectly diverse,” Chip said. “In our own company, we’ve got nearly 700 employees, and one of our biggest passions is making this group represent all people.”
“We can’t stop cable from dying, that’s not our mission,” Joanna added. “But while it’s still available, we hope you spend an hour or five with us and leave feeling like it was time well spent.”
Related: Chip And Joanna Gaines Respond With Christian Grace To Writer Who Smeared Them
The popular “Fixer Up” stars also promised their fans that they will be staying true to themselves with their new network.
“We understand people’s doubts. It takes time to prove you’re trustworthy, but that feels like a challenge to me,” Chip explained. “I can’t wait to be 80 years old and for people to say, ‘Gosh, we really pegged you as phony.'”
Joanna and Chip Gaines have gotten more than their fair share of hate, but they have taken the high road each and every time.
We can’t wait to see their new Magnolia Network, and to be entertained by this wholesome couple for many years to come!
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