Actor Ryan Guzman on Monday apologized after 9-1-1 castmates Aisha Hinds and Oliver Stark — along with a-number of fans — took to Twitter Monday to denounce his defense of his and his fiancée’s use of racial slurs including the N-word. In an Instagram video (you can watch it below), Guzman said, “I do not condone the use of the N-word by any non-Black person. That includes all Latinos. That’s not our word.”
Guzman, who plays firefighter Eddie Diaz on the Fox drama, faced the backlash with an Instagram Live post on Sunday in which he defended his fiancée Chrysti Ane’s response to old tweets that resurfaced in which she used slurs — as he did as well. Ane since has apologized on social media, but Guzman said in the video that and his multicultural friends “call each other slurs all the time.” Watch the video below. “I have plenty of friends — black, white, Asian, Indian, whatever they are, Korean — and we make fun of each other’s races all the time,” Guzman says in the clip. “We call each other slurs all the time. We don’t get butt-hurt at all because we know the actual person, we know who each other are. We know that we’re not trying to bring each other down. So, what are y’all trying to get at? You’re trying to prove that somebody that’s not racist is racist? Nah. You don’t have that power. There is no racist energy coming from this household at all.”
A Controversy That Sparked a Firestorm
The hit drama series 9-1-1 is no stranger to high-stakes drama — but this time, it wasn’t fiction that had fans talking. In 2020, actor Ryan Guzman found himself at the center of a heated controversy after defending the use of the N-word in a now-deleted social media video. What followed was a wave of backlash from fans, co-stars, and fellow actors — leading Guzman to issue a public apology. This article breaks down exactly what happened, how his castmates responded, and why the situation left a lasting impression on Hollywood and beyond.
The Origin of the Backlash
What Did Ryan Guzman Say?
In a social media video that quickly went viral, Guzman attempted to defend his fiancée’s past use of racial slurs, including the N-word. He stated, “I have plenty of friends — black, white, Asian, Indian, whatever — who use the word.” He followed this up by saying, “Some of them use it freely. I do as well — I’ve said it among friends, and they know it.”
Those comments, understandably, did not sit well with the public — or his 9-1-1 castmates.
The Internet Reacts Swiftly
Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit exploded with criticism. Fans accused Guzman of perpetuating harmful language and using personal anecdotes to justify systemic racism. Many called for accountability, with some even urging the producers to remove him from the show.
Castmates Clap Back
Oliver Stark Speaks Out
Oliver Stark, who plays firefighter Buck on 9-1-1, didn’t hold back. He tweeted:
“I do not agree with the comments made recently by a cast member. I am saddened and disappointed by their words. I stand with those fighting for change.”
That tweet alone gathered thousands of likes and retweets, showing how powerful peer accountability can be in Hollywood.
Aisha Hinds Delivers a Powerful Message
Aisha Hinds, known for her role as paramedic Henrietta “Hen” Wilson, used her platform to condemn Guzman’s remarks — without naming him directly. She posted:
“How we choose to express our ignorance says a lot about the depth of our awareness.”
Her post was applauded for its grace, clarity, and strength.
Other Co-Stars Join the Chorus
Rockmond Dunbar and Angela Bassett didn’t publicly comment, but fans noticed they unfollowed Guzman on social media. The message was clear — his remarks had consequences.
The Apology – Too Little, Too Late?
Ryan Guzman’s Public Statement
Following the uproar, Guzman issued an apology on Instagram:
“I apologize deeply to those I’ve hurt. I do not condone the use of the N-word by anyone outside of the Black community. I was ignorant and wrong.”
But was the damage already done?
H3: The Tone of Regret
Critics were split. Some appreciated his effort to take responsibility, while others felt his apology came only after his job was potentially at stake. Regardless, Guzman attempted to pivot and make amends.
A Deeper Problem in Hollywood
Why This Isn’t Just About One Actor
This situation echoed a much larger issue — casual racism and racial insensitivity in the entertainment industry. Guzman’s comments weren’t isolated; they were reflective of a pattern seen in many Hollywood circles.
Performative vs. Genuine Allyship
In an age where celebrities are expected to use their platforms responsibly, audiences are quick to detect whether an apology is authentic or simply for damage control.
Fan Reactions and Fallout
Has Ryan Guzman Lost Support?
Fan opinion was sharply divided. While some forgave Guzman and encouraged growth, others declared they’d no longer support any projects he was part of. #FireRyanGuzman even trended on Twitter for a short time.
The ‘Cancel Culture’ Debate
This incident reignited conversations about cancel culture versus accountability. Should one mistake cost someone their entire career? Or should growth and education be part of the equation?
The Impact on ‘9-1-1’
Will It Affect the Show Long-Term?
Despite the backlash, Guzman remained on 9-1-1. However, sources claimed there was tension behind the scenes. The network reportedly required sensitivity training and held meetings about how to handle racial sensitivity going forward.
Viewership and Trust
While the show’s ratings didn’t suffer significantly, fans admitted the controversy changed how they viewed Guzman’s character, Eddie Diaz. Some even said they found it harder to separate actor from role.
Moving Forward – Lessons Learned
The Importance of Listening
The most critical takeaway? When marginalized communities express pain or offense, the best response is to listen — not to argue or defend.
Words Matter
Especially for public figures, words can influence millions. Guzman’s case is a cautionary tale about using one’s platform wisely.
The Role of Accountability in 2025
Growth Doesn’t Happen Overnight
Guzman’s apology may not have satisfied everyone, but it’s a step — one that many hope is followed by continued learning and reflection.
The Industry Must Do Better
If Hollywood is serious about diversity, equity, and inclusion, there must be consistent accountability — not just when the internet demands it.
Conclusion
Ryan Guzman’s controversial comments stirred more than just outrage — they sparked a larger dialogue about race, privilege, and responsibility. While he apologized, the impact of his words left a scar not only on his reputation but on the trust between celebrities and their fans. Whether Guzman continues to grow from this moment remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: silence and complicity are no longer acceptable in the public eye.
