Ms. Rachel, a kids content creator, knew her words about Pride Month were going to receive negative attention, but she is not backing down.
Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Griffin Accurso, is a social media star due to her catchy songs and educational videos, Today reported.
To commemorate Pride Month, which started June 1, Ms. Rachel posted a video wishing everyone a “happy Pride.”
“Happy pride to all our wonderful families and friends. This month and every month I celebrate you. I’m so glad you’re here. I’m so glad you’re exactly who you are,” Accurso posted on Instagram.
“To those who are going to comment they can’t watch the show anymore because of this support, no worries and much love your way,” she added. “God bless. I am not chasing fame or views. I’m standing strong in love.”
Accurso wrote in the caption, “Love you!” and added a rainbow emoji.
The same clip was uploaded to her TikTok page.
Since then, she has received both support and criticism.
“Ms. Rachel took a risk posting this, and I’m so glad she did,” one supporter said.
“How rare to see someone who actually stands behind their brand when it’s not easy,” another said.
That support was not always the case.
“Unfollow. Super shameful,” one on Instagram.
“Goodbye! Never will you be on my TV again,” another person said.
Daily Wire host Matt Walsh shared Accurso’s post on X and said, “Ms. Rachel is an extremely popular YouTuber who makes content for babies and toddlers. She just posted a video celebrating Pride Month. This is a message to conservatives parents. She doesn’t want your business. You should respond accordingly.”
Some fans came to her defense.
“Ms. Rachel is awesome,” one tweeted. “She creates great content. Y’all are nuts.”
Ms. Rachel herself followed up with a message of love and acceptance.
On June 3, she posted a follow-up video to share her beliefs.
“I’ve shared prayers on here before and said, ‘God bless,’ and that’s because my faith is really important to me. And it’s also one reason why I love every neighbor,” she said.
“There are so many reasons I stand strong in love. I stand with everyone. That’s who I am and the love back and the ‘God bless’ if you disagree is genuine,” she said.
She reiterated her beliefs in an email to NBC News.
“We have met so many wonderful families who watch the show, all with different beliefs, religions and political views,” she wrote. “We treat everyone with empathy and respect. I think it’s important to find common ground, and we all want what’s best for our little ones. I believe there should be less division and more dialogue.”
