Television presenter James May has responded to backlash following his comments about the numerous Pride flags displayed on Regent Street in central London for Pride Month. The Top Gear co-presenter, 61, previously remarked that Pride organizers were "borderline guilty of Too Much Bunting (TMB)" and that the abundance of flags could seem "authoritarian" or "oppressive." He added a controversial comparison by noting that World War Two started with too much bunting.
May's comments, shared initially on social media, led to a wave of reactions. While some agreed with his call for moderation, others accused him of enabling homophobic sentiments. May took to X/Twitter again to clarify his stance, stating, "I'm not suggesting that the Pride movement has anything in common with the Nazis."
He emphasized that his post was not meant to incite "lazy homophobia" and noted that other events, such as royal celebrations, also suffer from excessive bunting. "I can't be held responsible for other people's misreading of things," he responded to criticism.
James May addressed the community in a follow-up post, calling for peaceful discourse and proper understanding while distancing himself from any homophobic interpretations of his comments.