Logan Paul Defends Harry Styles Cross-Dressing, In An Unexpected 2020 Plot Twist

Logan Paul. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

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On the latest episode of his “Impaulsive” podcast, YouTuber Logan Paul and his co-hosts joined the debate surrounding Harry Styles, who famously wore a dress on the cover of Vogue.

The cross-dressing photoshoot became a heated debate after conservative commentator Candace Owens drew offense, claiming that the sight of a man in a dress was part of a broader conspiracy, involving “the steady feminization of our men,” and, for some reason, connected to “Marxism.” 

Twitter users and celebrities quickly rallied around to condemn Owens’ out-of-touch pearl-clutching (rock stars have been cross-dressing since the seventies, so she’s reheating a stagnant culture war). But it seems that Paul’s co-host, George Janko, agreed with Owens, arguing that Styles’ photoshoot wasn’t “manly.”

Paul responded with:

“Bro, why? What is manly to you? What does it mean? Is manly being comfortable in your own skin and being comfortable with who you are, regardless of what you’re wearing? … I’m listening to you tell me you don’t want to judge people…and then watching you judge people.”

It’s quite surprising to see Paul side with open-mindedness and tolerance, considering the YouTuber’s controversial reputation, but it’s an encouraging development. Although, the cynic in me suspects that Paul knows that the shock-jock schtick might damage his career, in the long-run, and is purposely moving in a more positive direction. 

Regardless, it’s nice to see Paul offer a definition of masculinity that isn’t riddled with insecurity or guilt, but bursting with confidence; gender norms are, after all, a social construct, and are as significant as we allow them to be. 

It’s interesting to see how long the “Harry Styles in a dress” debate has continued – Vogue Magazine’s attention-seeking gambit has certainly paid off.