Behind the Scenes of a Family Favorite
Netflix’s Fuller House was meant to be a sweet dose of nostalgia — a revival of the beloved Full House with modern-day updates and heartfelt moments. But while the reboot brought the Tanner family back to our screens, not everything was as harmonious behind the scenes.
Enter Candace Cameron Bure, the outspoken conservative actress best known as D.J. Tanner, and Miss Benny, a young queer performer and digital influencer who appeared on the show in its later seasons. What happened between them was never shown on screen — but off-camera, it sparked a culture clash that highlighted deeper divides in entertainment.
Let’s dive into the full story of Candace Cameron Bure and Miss Benny’s backstage tensions, the accusations that followed, and the broader cultural conversation it reflects in Hollywood today.
Who Is Miss Benny?
Before we get into the controversy, let’s talk about Miss Benny — born Ben J. Pierce — an actor, singer, and internet personality who identifies as nonbinary and queer. Known for roles on shows like Love, Victor and their music career, Miss Benny joined Fuller House in Season 5 as Casey, a fashion-forward teen intern who becomes friends with Stephanie Tanner.
Their casting was a refreshing move — a step toward LGBTQ+ inclusion in a show rooted in traditional family values. But according to Miss Benny, not everyone on set was supportive of that move.
The Accusation: A “Homophobic” Co-Star
In June 2023, Miss Benny went public with a TikTok video and an open letter, reflecting on their experience on Fuller House. Without naming names initially, they alleged that a “homophobic” cast member tried to get their character removed from the show and actively made them feel unsafe on set.
Fans quickly connected the dots — and many assumed the person being referenced was Candace Cameron Bure.
Miss Benny later confirmed it.
Candace Cameron Bure’s Conservative Values
Candace Cameron Bure is no stranger to controversy. Over the years, she’s built a brand around Christian faith, conservative politics, and “traditional family values.” She left the Hallmark Channel in 2022, citing discomfort with its increasing LGBTQ+ inclusion, and moved to Great American Family — a network she claimed would “keep traditional marriage at the core.”
To her supporters, she’s a beacon of morality.
To her critics, she’s a symbol of exclusion.
That’s why Miss Benny’s accusation resonated with so many — and sparked widespread media coverage and fan backlash.
Miss Benny Speaks Out: The Emotional Toll
In their statements, Miss Benny shared that working on Fuller House was not the joyful experience fans would expect. They said:
“One of the leads was openly homophobic and tried to use their power to get me removed. I felt like I couldn’t be myself on set.”
They also revealed the mental and emotional toll it took — describing anxiety, fear of backlash, and the pressure to stay silent to avoid being blacklisted in the industry.
Candace Responds: Silence or Strategy?
Candace Cameron Bure never directly addressed Miss Benny’s claims, choosing instead to remain silent. Her only public response came through a representative, who vaguely denied wrongdoing and expressed support for diversity — though the tone felt noncommittal and corporate.
Critics argued that her silence spoke volumes.
Supporters claimed she was avoiding drama and staying true to her values.
But the damage was done — and the divide between fans widened.
Fans Divided: A War in the Comments Section
Once Miss Benny’s accusations hit the internet, social media exploded. Fans of Full House and Fuller House found themselves taking sides:
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Supporters of Miss Benny praised their bravery for speaking out and exposing toxic behavior in the industry.
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Defenders of Candace accused Miss Benny of clout-chasing and attacking someone for their faith.
The situation became a microcosm of the broader cultural divide — where LGBTQ+ rights and religious conservatism often collide in loud, painful ways.
The Bigger Picture: Hollywood’s Ongoing Culture War
This wasn’t just about two actors on a sitcom. The Miss Benny vs. Candace Cameron Bure moment reflects Hollywood’s shifting landscape, where inclusion and representation are increasing — but not without resistance.
It’s a reminder that progress comes with pushback, and that even on a lighthearted family comedy, real tensions can bubble just beneath the surface.
What This Means for Queer Representation
Miss Benny’s role on Fuller House — brief though it was — meant something to queer fans. Seeing someone like them in the Tanner household was powerful. Their departure and the discomfort they described behind the scenes made it clear that representation alone isn’t enough. Inclusion needs to come with respect, support, and safety.
It also reignited the conversation around who gets to tell stories in Hollywood — and who’s still being made to feel like outsiders.
Was This a Missed Opportunity?
Absolutely. Fuller House could have been a show that bridged generations and embraced diversity — a series where D.J. Tanner and a nonbinary intern coexisted onscreen and off. Instead, it became a show that, for some, represented what’s still broken in the industry.
A house divided, if you will.
Have Other Cast Members Spoken Out?
So far, most of the Fuller House cast has remained silent on the situation. Jodie Sweetin, however, has shown public support for LGBTQ+ causes and even distanced herself from Candace’s recent comments about “traditional marriage” — suggesting quiet tension among the former co-stars.
No one has openly contradicted Miss Benny’s story.
Miss Benny’s Career Today
Despite the controversy, Miss Benny has continued to build a strong career in entertainment. In 2023, they starred in Netflix’s Glamorous, playing a leading role in a queer coming-of-age story — a project they said felt safe, empowering, and affirming in a way Fuller House never was.
They’ve also used their platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ youth, encouraging others to speak up and speak out when faced with discrimination.
What Happens Now?
The dust has mostly settled, but the conversation isn’t over. Miss Benny’s experience remains a cautionary tale — and a reminder that even in 2020s television, prejudice can still lurk behind smiling faces and nostalgic reboots.
And for Candace Cameron Bure, it’s another controversy in a growing list that’s gradually reshaping how she’s perceived — even by her once-loyal fanbase.
Conclusion: Fuller House, But Not a Fuller Heart
This story isn’t just about one uncomfortable on-set experience. It’s about what happens when values clash, power goes unchecked, and marginalized voices are left to fend for themselves in spaces that claim to be inclusive.
Candace Cameron Bure and Miss Benny represent two vastly different visions of what family, faith, and identity look like on screen. When those visions collided, it exposed a deep rift in both Fuller House and the culture it tried to serve.
And maybe — just maybe — it’s a sign that Hollywood’s feel-good nostalgia needs a serious update.
FAQs
1. Who is Miss Benny, and what was their role in Fuller House?
Miss Benny is a queer, nonbinary actor and musician who played Casey, a stylish teen intern, in Season 5 of Fuller House.
2. What did Miss Benny accuse Candace Cameron Bure of?
Miss Benny alleged that Candace made the set hostile for them due to her anti-LGBTQ+ views and tried to have them removed from the show.
3. Did Candace Cameron Bure respond to the allegations?
She has not directly addressed Miss Benny’s claims but released a general statement about supporting traditional values and inclusivity.
4. Has anyone from the cast supported Miss Benny?
While most cast members have stayed silent, Jodie Sweetin has shown public support for LGBTQ+ causes, hinting at quiet solidarity.
5. What is the bigger impact of this controversy?
It highlights the ongoing culture clash in Hollywood between traditional conservatism and evolving queer representation — and who feels safe in that space.
