Mario Lopez is “alarmed” by Hollywood parents who allow their children to switch genders at very young ages.
Lopez made the statements during his appearance on conservative commentator Candace Owens’ YouTube show last month.
Owens was critical of South African actress Charlize Theron’s decision to allow seven-year-old Jackson Theron, who was born a boy, to identify as a girl and wear stereotypically feminine clothing and hairstyles.
“I am trying to understand this new Hollywood mentality where they just think their children now have the mental authority,” Owens said. “You can’t make a decision about your sexuality when you’re three years old.”
“I am trying to understand it myself and please don’t lump me into that whole (group),” the Extra TV host replied.
Lopez, who is best known for playing A.C. Slater on TV show Saved by the Bell, added he was “kind of blown away too”.
“My God if you’re three-years-old and you’re saying you’re feeling a certain way you think you’re a boy or a girl whatever the case may be… I just think it’s dangerous as a parent to make that determination then, OK well then you’re gonna be a boy or a girl.”
Lopez, 45, has two children with wife Courtney, daughter Gia, 8, and son Dominic, 5.
“It’s sort of alarming and my gosh, I just think about the repercussions later on,” he continued. “I think parents need to allow their kids to be kids, but at the same time, you got to be the adult in the situation.”
Lopez, whose children attend a private Catholic school, said 3 years old is “way too young to start making these (decisions).”
“I think the formative years is really when you have those discussions and really start making these declarations.”
“You’re not psychologically there when you’re three years old,” said Owens. “I just think children are being confused.”
Lopez admitted he doesn’t always agree with everyone’s parenting styles, but he insisted those parents are “good people and it’s coming from a good place.”
However, when Owens asked him about playdates with transgender children, he answered: “They don’t kick it with those kids.”
Photos by Phamous / BACKGRID
