9-1-1 star hits back at viewers who say character's same-sex kiss scene has 'ruined the show'

A 9-1-1 star has slammed viewers who claimed that his character's same-sex kiss scene has 'ruined the show'.

First aired on Fox in 2018 before moving to ABC, 9-1-1 follows the lives of Los Angeles first responders who are often faced with heart-stopping situations.

Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear, the TV show still brings in many viewers to this day.

Now seven seasons deep, 9-1-1 aired its 100th episode last week.

And as you'd probably expect with a milestone episode, it certainly produced a lot of fireworks.

It concluded with a kiss between Evan 'Buck' Buckley (Oliver Stark) and fellow firefighter Tommy Kinard (Lou Ferrigno Jr.).

Stark jumped on Instagram on Saturday (April 6) to thank fans for their positive reaction to the 100th episode.

The 100th episode was full of drama. ABC

However, he did also slam some apparent homophobic 9-1-1 viewers.

Taking to his Instagram Story, the actor wrote: "Humbled and overwhelmed by the positive reaction to Buck’s storyline.

"I’ve read so many of your messages and I couldn’t be prouder."

The 32-year-old then took time to respond to some of the backlash and negative comments he had received.

"If you are one of the smaller group of people commenting on my posts about how this has ruined the show, I would like you to know that I truly don’t care," Buck continued.

“This is a show about love and inclusion. It’s featured queer relationships from the very beginning, including a beautiful Black lesbian marriage played out by two of the best actresses I’ve ever watched."

He went on: “If one other character finding a new facet to his sexuality and [realizing] his bisexuality is your deal breaker - I fear you’ve missed the entire point of the show.

“You are not required to announce your departure.”

Stark has hit back at viewers. ABC

Speaking in an interview with Variety, Stark said that 9-1-1 co-creator Minear contacted him during the third episode of the season to ask him how he'd feel about making his character bisexual.

The actor said: "He had already been in contact with Lou, who plays Tommy - he wanted to know that he was on board before bringing it to me. So not with too much notice he said, 'I think this is the most truthful way to continue Buck’s storyline'. And I said, 'I 100% agree'.”

Stark added: "I think it’s deserved and I think it’s earned - and I am excited to to get the chance to tell it."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT national hotline at 888-843-4564, available Monday to Friday 4pm-12am ET and 12pm-5pm ET on Saturdays.