NLE Choppa is setting the record straight after facing accusations of “gay baiting” following his new photoshoot for Playgirl magazine. The rapper took to social media to address a fan’s comment, which claimed he was pandering to the LGBTQ+ community with his latest visuals.

“Y’all really love putting labels on everything,” Choppa wrote in response to the criticism. “I can’t just express myself creatively without y’all reaching? I’m comfortable with me and who I am. Y’all should try it.”

The Playgirl shoot, which features NLE Choppa in bold and artistic poses, sparked debate online, with some fans praising his versatility and willingness to explore different aesthetics. Others, however, accused him of using queer imagery to appeal to a broader audience.

In a follow-up post, the rapper doubled down on his message of self-expression: “Y’all so stuck in the past. It’s 2025. Being confident in who you are ain’t about labels or baiting—it’s about being free.”

The debate mirrors larger conversations in the entertainment industry about representation, inclusivity, and the line between allyship and appropriation. Despite the backlash, many of Choppa’s fans have come to his defense, applauding his openness and confidence in defying traditional norms.