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‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Says Closeted Pro Athletes Are Reaching Out After Watching the Series

The private messages highlight the series’ real-world resonance within professional sports.

Overview

  • Hudson Williams disclosed in a preview for SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live that current athletes contacted him after the show’s breakout run.
  • He said outreach has come from hockey, football and basketball players, with some notes relayed anonymously via author Rachel Reid and others sent through private Instagram DMs.
  • Williams described the messages as moving and emphasized protecting the senders’ anonymity.
  • The Canadian series, a Crave original distributed by HBO Max, has been renewed for a second season following strong international streaming performance.
  • Coverage places the reaction in the context of persistent barriers to LGBTQ+ visibility in men’s leagues, noting concerns about locker-room culture and the NHL’s lack of an openly gay player.