Comedian Godfrey has stirred controversy with his recent claims about the late James Avery, best known for playing Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. During a discussion, Godfrey alleged that Avery was “gay as hell,” recounting a backstage encounter that led him to this belief.
via: HotNewHipHop
The outspoken comic has set the internet ablaze with his recent claims about Avery, who’s obviously best known for his fatherly role as “Uncle Phil” on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. During a candid discussion, Godfrey alleged that Avery was “gay as hell” and recalled a moment that made him realize it.
“I had to do audience coordinating for the Gospel Awards when I first started comedy in Chicago,” Godfrey explained. “Behind the scenes, James Avery was there. Mike Tyson, Farrakhan, everybody was there.”
Godfrey went on to describe the atmosphere backstage, claiming that many of the gospel performers were “getting very gay” and that Avery stood out in particular.
“I saw him, he was flamboyant,” he said. “I was like, ‘this Uncle Phil? Uncle Phil is Aunt Phil?’”
The comedian continued by describing Avery’s mannerisms with his hands.
“He was like, ‘Girl,’” he said, adding that he was shocked to see the actor’s more feminine side. “He was such a great actor. You would never know.”
Avery’s alleged sexuality was not the only revelation in Godfrey’s discussion. He also claimed that other notable actors and musicians from past generations, including Family Matters star Reginald VelJohnson, were secretly part of the LGBTQ+ community.
While Godfrey being one of the more notable public figures to speculate about Avery’s sexuality, he isn’t the only individual who has taken to the rumor in recent years. Last year, a number of users on Twitter defended Avery against allegations that he was secretly a closeted man, dispelling the rumors as completely fabricated.
“Did they just say James Avery is gay and went with it??? Looooooooool this man played a gay role as a guest on greys anatomy now you put it on him?? This is crazy,” a user wrote in a tweet last April.
James Avery, beloved for his role as the strict but loving father figure on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, passed away on December 31, 2013, due to complications from open-heart surgery. He was 68 years old. Watch the clip from the interview in the post above.
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