Dylan Mulvaney Addresses Backlash Over 'Six' Anne Boleyn Casting Announcement

Dylan Mulvaney, a prominent transgender actress and social media influencer, announced on January 19, 2026, that she will portray Anne Boleyn in the hit musical "Six. "

The announcement, shared via Mulvaney's Instagram account , sparked immediate backlash from some social media users who criticized the casting of a transgender woman as the historical figure known as the second wife of King Henry VIII. Critics on platforms like X argued that the role should be played by a cisgender woman, reigniting discussions on authenticity in historical portrayals.

In response, Mulvaney posted a video on Instagram on January 20, 2026, directly addressing the "transphobic tirade"and expressing her excitement for the opportunity. /, 2026-01-20] "I'm so thrilled to play Anne Boleyn in Six. The hate is loud, but my joy is louder, "Mulvaney stated in the video, framing the role as a celebration of female empowerment within the show's modern feminist lens.

"Six, "created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as pop stars competing to determine who suffered the most, having premiered in London's West End in 2019 before transferring to Broadway. The production has featured diverse casts emphasizing the queens'stories over strict historical accuracy. Mulvaney's casting aligns with this approach, positioning Anne Boleyn's narrative of ambition and tragedy through a contemporary, inclusive perspective.

LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have voiced support for Mulvaney, with GLAAD highlighting the casting as a step forward for transgender visibility in theater. "Transgender artists like Dylan Mulvaney bring fresh interpretations to iconic roles, challenging outdated norms, "GLAAD spokesperson Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement. The Human Rights Campaign echoed this, noting that such opportunities counter anti-trans rhetoric prevalent in recent cultural debates.

The event has drawn global attention, with coverage in UK outlets like PinkNews and international platforms amplifying the conversation on transgender inclusion in the arts. No official statement from the "Six"production team on the backlash was available as of January 20, 2026

This incident reflects broader tensions in the entertainment industry, where transgender performers continue to face scrutiny despite growing representation. Mulvaney's response underscores a message of perseverance, resonating with transgender people navigating public life. As the production approaches, it may further spotlight these dynamics within LGBTQ+ communities and beyond.