In a raw and revealing episode of the Armchair Expert podcast, aired on June 23, 2025, Hollywood icon Brad Pitt opened up about a deeply personal aspect of his past: the homophobic slurs he and his brother endured during their childhood in Missouri. The Academy Award-winning actor, promoting his latest film F1: The Movie, joined hosts Dax Shepard and Monica Padman for a conversation that spanned his career, sobriety journey, and the toxic masculinity that shaped his early years. Pitt’s candid discussion about the pervasive homophobic language of his youth, coupled with his reflections on personal growth, has sparked widespread conversation, shedding light on the cultural challenges of his era and his evolution as an advocate for inclusivity. As fans dissect the episode on platforms like X, Pitt’s vulnerability offers a powerful lens into the complexities of fame, identity, and redemption.

The Context: A Childhood Marred by Slurs

Growing up in the Ozarks of Missouri during the 1970s and 1980s, Brad Pitt was immersed in a culture steeped in rigid gender norms and hypermasculinity. During the Armchair Expert episode, co-host Monica Padman prompted Pitt to reflect on whether homophobic language was common in his youth. “Yeah,” Pitt responded unequivocally. “‘Don’t cry.’ ‘Don’t be gay.’ ‘You fag.’ That kind of stuff. A lot of that.” He recounted how these slurs were hurled at him and his younger brother, Doug, often as a means of policing their behavior and enforcing societal expectations of toughness. “That was that era—but error,” Pitt noted, acknowledging the flawed attitudes of the time.

The conversation took a lighter turn when Pitt shared a childhood anecdote about a desperate move during a fight, where he grabbed an opponent “by the balls” to end the brawl. “It worked. Desperation!” he said with a laugh. However, host Dax Shepard probed deeper, asking whether the move’s effectiveness stemmed from physical pain or the homophobic stigma attached to such an act at the time. “Was it because it hurt so bad, or because everyone was such a homophobe back then?” Shepard wondered. Padman echoed, “Was there a lot of calling you a ‘wuss,’ and ‘don’t be gay’?” Pitt’s response laid bare the casual cruelty of his environment, highlighting how homophobic slurs were not just insults but tools of social control.

This revelation resonates with many who grew up in similar environments, where terms like “fag” or “gay” were weaponized to shame and silence. Pitt’s willingness to confront this aspect of his past underscores his growth, particularly in light of his decades-long advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. As one X user commented, “Brad Pitt talking about the homophobic slurs he faced as a kid is so real. It’s wild how normalized that was back then, and he’s not shying away from it.”

A Playful Exchange on Sexuality

The podcast also took a humorous detour when Shepard, who met Pitt at an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting in 2016, jokingly asked if their shared history made Pitt nervous. “Sexually, you mean?” Pitt quipped, sparking laughter. He then added, “You know, I’ve never had a gay experience. I kind of missed that window. But if I did, it wouldn’t be you.” Shepard, feigning disappointment, responded, “Oh man, you had me. I was like, ‘He’s going to say it.’” Pitt teased that Shepard would be “maybe 14th or 15th” on his list, to which Shepard retorted, “You’re going to need to build up to me. I recommend you start with some starters.”

This playful banter, while lighthearted, opened a window into Pitt’s comfort with discussing sexuality openly. His comment about “missing the window” for a gay experience was delivered with humor but also carried a reflective undertone, acknowledging the constraints of his upbringing. For many listeners, this exchange humanized Pitt, revealing a man unafraid to engage in self-deprecating humor while addressing a topic that might have been taboo in his youth. As Instinct Magazine noted, “Pitt’s honesty here isn’t just a celebrity confession; it’s a moment of recognition” for those unpacking the lingering effects of a homophobic culture.

From Pain to Advocacy: Pitt’s LGBTQ+ Support

Despite the homophobic environment of his childhood, Pitt has emerged as a steadfast ally to the LGBTQ+ community. From 2006 to 2014, he and then-partner Angelina Jolie famously delayed their marriage until same-sex couples could legally wed across the United States, a stance that drew significant attention. Pitt also donated $100,000 to fight California’s Proposition 8 in 2008, which sought to ban same-sex marriage, and matched contributions to the Human Rights Campaign in 2012 to support marriage equality initiatives in four states. “What if someone said, ‘Sorry, no Christianity here?’ No one would stand for that,” Pitt argued, framing his support as a matter of fundamental freedom.

Pitt’s advocacy contrasts sharply with the slurs he faced as a child, illustrating his journey from a product of his environment to a vocal proponent of equality. His reflections on Armchair Expert highlight this evolution, as he acknowledges the “error” of his era while celebrating the progress made. Fans on X have praised this duality, with one user writing, “Brad Pitt owning his past while being a longtime LGBTQ+ ally is why he’s still a legend. Growth matters.” This sentiment underscores the public’s appreciation for Pitt’s authenticity and willingness to evolve.

Sobriety and Vulnerability: A Parallel Journey

The podcast also delved into Pitt’s journey with sobriety, which provided context for his openness about his past. Pitt joined AA in 2016 following his high-profile divorce from Angelina Jolie, a period he described as a “difficult time” when he was “pretty much on my back” and “needed rebooting.” He credited the vulnerability of AA members with helping him find his voice, noting, “I just thought it was incredible, men sharing their experiences with their foibles, their missteps, their wants, their aches, and a lot of humor with it.”

Pitt’s experience in AA, where he first met Shepard, allowed him to confront personal struggles, including his battle with alcohol addiction. He described the program as a “safe space” where judgment was minimal, enabling him to “expose the ugly sides” of himself. This vulnerability carried over into the podcast, where Pitt’s willingness to discuss homophobic bullying and his lack of a “gay experience” reflected a man unafraid to embrace his imperfections. As Vanity Fair reported, Pitt’s time in AA was a turning point, helping him “wake the fuck up” and take responsibility for his actions.

The Cultural Lens: Homophobia in the ‘80s and Beyond

Pitt’s recollections of homophobic slurs resonate with a broader cultural narrative about the 1980s, a decade marked by widespread anti-gay sentiment fueled by the AIDS crisis and conservative politics. Phrases like “don’t be gay” were commonplace, often used to enforce rigid notions of masculinity. Pitt’s story, as PinkNews noted, reflects “an era, but error” that many queer and straight individuals are still unpacking.

The Armchair Expert discussion also highlighted how such language affected not just queer youth but anyone perceived as deviating from masculine norms. Pitt’s admission that he and his brother were targeted suggests that homophobia was a pervasive tool for bullying, regardless of one’s actual identity. This universality has struck a chord with listeners, many of whom see Pitt’s candor as a step toward dismantling the stigma of that era. “Brad Pitt talking about homophobic slurs from his childhood is so validating,” one X user posted. “It shows how toxic that culture was for everyone.”

The Bigger Picture: Pitt’s Legacy and Public Perception

At 61, Brad Pitt remains a cultural titan, known for roles in Fight Club, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and now F1: The Movie. Yet, his personal life—marked by a tumultuous divorce from Jolie, allegations of misconduct, and ongoing legal battles—has often overshadowed his professional achievements. The Armchair Expert episode, as Vulture observed, was part of a “carefully choreographed press tour” designed to present Pitt as affable and reflective, sidestepping thornier issues like his estrangement from his children.

Nevertheless, Pitt’s openness about his past, from homophobic bullying to sobriety, adds depth to his public persona. His ability to laugh at himself, as seen in the playful exchange with Shepard, and his acknowledgment of past cultural wrongs demonstrate a rare humility for a star of his stature. As The Fight Magazine noted, Pitt’s decades-long advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, paired with his reflections on his upbringing, reaffirms his commitment to progress.

Looking Forward: A Voice for Change

The Armchair Expert episode has sparked a broader conversation about how far society has come—and how far it still has to go—in addressing homophobia. Pitt’s story, while specific to his Missouri childhood, reflects a universal struggle against prejudice and conformity. His advocacy, from delaying his marriage to supporting marriage equality, positions him as a bridge between past errors and future progress.

As F1: The Movie races into theaters, Pitt’s vulnerability on the podcast ensures that his legacy extends beyond the screen. By confronting the homophobic slurs of his youth and embracing his growth, he invites others to do the same. In a world still grappling with division, Pitt’s voice—flawed, honest, and evolving—offers a reminder that change is possible, one candid conversation at a time.