(Scypre.com) – While filming their Netflix documentary Will & Harper, Will Ferrell and his co-star Harper Steele faced an uncomfortable situation in Texas that left them reflecting on trans rights and public perception. The documentary, which follows their road trip across the U.S. to help Steele reintroduce herself after coming out as transgender in 2022, had a notable moment during a stop at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo.
Steele, previously a head writer for Saturday Night Live, made a lighthearted toast, praising the state of Texas and subtly mentioning the need for improved trans rights. “I wish you guys would do more for trans rights in this state,” she said, receiving mixed reactions—cheers quickly turned into silence and groans from diners. Ferrell, sensing the discomfort, tried to salvage the moment by raising his glass and saying, “Cheers to Texas and trans rights, right?” However, the room’s mood shifted, creating a tense atmosphere.
The event didn’t make it into the final cut of the documentary, but both Ferrell and Steele shared their thoughts on the incident afterward. Steele expressed feeling that her “transness was on display” and described how the moment made her feel uneasy. Ferrell, for his part, apologized to Steele, expressing regret that he hadn’t anticipated the reaction and feeling guilty for bringing them into that environment without vetting it properly.
“The saddest part for me,” Ferrell told the New York Times, “is I just feel like I let you down in that moment.” He later admitted that he was caught off guard by the size of the venue and the potential hostility of the crowd.
Steele went on to describe the nuanced reactions she felt from the diners. After her comment, a woman in the audience shouted, “We still love you.” Although meant as a positive gesture, Steele interpreted it as conditional acceptance. “The ‘still’ is conditional. You still love me when I finally give up being trans and give my life over to Christ,” she explained. The remark and the reaction reinforced her sense of alienation in the room.
Reflecting on the broader societal issues around trans rights, Ferrell pointed out that many people’s discomfort with trans individuals stems from their own insecurities. “There is hatred out there,” he told The Independent. “It’s very real, and it’s very unsafe for trans people in certain situations.” He added that it puzzles him why someone’s happiness and authenticity would threaten others, linking transphobia to a lack of self-confidence in those harboring such views.
Steele, who has faced her share of scrutiny, has also been critical of media outlets, including the New York Times. In a previous interview with The Independent, she called out the paper for being “generally left-leaning, but also sometimes very anti-trans.” She expressed her frustrations with the broader media landscape, often asking reporters if they believe in her existence and validity as a transgender person. Steele noted that some in the liberal community struggle to fully embrace the trans experience, which has been part of her challenge in seeking acceptance.
Both Ferrell and Steele continue to speak out about trans issues, using their platform to promote inclusivity and encourage others to challenge their biases.