Moana Hope has shared an impassioned message hitting out at ‘homophobic’ trolls who criticised her girlfriend Maria Thattil’s same-sex kiss scene on Neighbours.
Former Miss Universe Australia Maria, 31, made her Ramsay Street debut last week as queer South Asian character Amira Devkar and described the role as a ‘dream’.
In her debut episodes, Maria’s character Amira shared an on-screen kiss with Nicolette Stone, played by Hannah Monson, as they spent the night together.
But some cruel internet trolls were quick to slam the scene as ‘too much’ for daytime TV, prompting Maria’s girlfriend Moana to hit back at the ‘homophobic’ commentary.
Moana, 36, took to social media to clap back at the trolls and described the kiss scene as ‘perfect’ as she heaped praise on her ‘talented’ girlfriend.
Moana Hope has shared an impassioned message hitting out at ‘homophobic’ trolls who criticised her girlfriend Maria Thattil’s same-sex kiss scene on Neighbours
Maria, 31, made her Ramsay Street debut last week as queer South Asian character Amira Devkar and shared an on-screen kiss with Nicolette Stone, played by Hannah Monson
The ex-Australian rules footballer insisted people wouldn’t have had a problem with the scene if it was a heterosexual kiss as she praised the LGBTQ+ representation.
According to the Herald Sun, she wrote: ‘I wonder if the homophobia (sic) comments on this post would be happening if she had the same kiss but with a man… I don’t need to wonder, I know the answer. No. No, they wouldn’t.
‘But coz it’s 2 women it’s ‘way too much’ for daytime TV. I think its right where it needs to be, if you don’t like it, don’t watch it.’
She went on: ‘I think it’s bloody amazing, hot and perfect. Maria is so bloody talented, they both are, and I wish as a gay woman there was more of this kind of stuff on TV to normalise it for me growing up. But I’m glad things are changing.’
Some cruel internet trolls were quick to slam the scene as ‘too much’ for daytime TV, prompting Maria’s girlfriend Moana to hit back at the ‘homophobic’ commentary
Maria is appearing in six episodes of Neighbours as the older sister of Haz Devkar, played by series regular Shiv Palekar.
The model recently told news.com.au that it was a ‘dream’ of hers to be joining the cast of the iconic Aussie soap opera.
‘Having the ability to start my career on Neighbours is such a dream because I’m getting to work with incredible Australian actors on a long-running show that means so much to people,’ she told the publication.
‘It’s so special, a dream, a privilege and I’m so grateful that they welcomed me into the cast.’
Maria (pictured) is appearing in six episodes of Neighbours as the older sister of Haz Devkar, played by series regular Shiv Palekar
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia in January, Maria also praised the long-running TV show for casting a ‘queer actor of colour’.
‘I think it’s a beautiful thing that we’re living in a time where casting directors are wanting to do this authentically. So they are casting queer actors of colour for queer characters of colour,’ she said.
The podcaster said she was excited to help the show improve its representation because she didn’t see people like herself on the classic program growing up.
‘It felt distant to me because you’re watching these families and these stories, and I guess if you don’t see yourself in these great Australian stories, does that mean that you’re not fitting what Australian stories are meant to be? I’m so excited that I get to be on it,’ the up-and-coming actress said.
Upon her casting, Maria said she was excited to help the show improve its representation because she didn’t see people like herself on the classic program growing up
Maria went public with her romance with Moana in September and the pair have gone from strength to strength ever since, even moving in together in April
In her personal life, Maria recently started dating AFLW star Moana and the couple have been going strong ever since.
In April, Maria confirmed that she and Moana had moved in together as they took the next step in their romance.
Maria has also introduced her father to her new love, as he was recently photographed sitting with them while they enjoyed a meal together.
The couple first went public with their relationship in September, after Moana’s split from her ex-wife Isabella, with whom she shares two children.
