‘Heated Rivalry’ star François Arnaud calls on NHL to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Actor François Arnaud urged the NHL to improve its inclusivity toward the LGBTQ+ community, criticizing the league’s historical resistance and its ban on Pride jerseys despite lifting the Pride Tape ban.
- Arnaud stars in "Heated Rivalry," a popular Canadian TV show about closeted professional hockey players, which has boosted interest in hockey among new fans and was recently renewed for a second season.
- NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praised the show for attracting younger audiences and highlighted the league’s ongoing LGBTQ+ initiatives, including Pride Nights and partnerships with organizations like You Can Play.
- Arnaud clarified that his earlier comment calling the NHL "failing" was a joke, acknowledging the league’s financial success and strategic use of the show’s popularity.
- The
