Dylan O’Brien’s recent comments about his trans sibling have taken an unexpected twist. His brother, Julz, took to Instagram to express disappointment, revealing they haven’t spoken in over a year.
Dylan O’Brien, known for his roles in Teen Wolf and The Maze Runner, recently made headlines for praising his trans, non-binary sibling while promoting the film Ponyboi. In a 2024 interview, he mentioned how important his sibling was, saying they helped deepen his life experiences.
However, this picture of sibling harmony seems far from the truth. When the Gay Times shared Dylan’s comments on Instagram, Julz responded, stating, ‘He hasn’t spoken to me in over a year. He didn’t check in when I had top surgery. He didn’t even wish me a happy birthday last week!’
Julz, who identifies as trans masc and uses he/they pronouns, felt misrepresented by Dylan’s public portrayal. Many fans were quick to criticise Dylan for allegedly using his sibling’s identity to boost his public image without maintaining a genuine relationship.
The fallout saw online fans accusing the actor of being insincere. Comments ranged from questioning why Dylan would pretend to support Julz while not maintaining contact, to expressing how actions speak louder than public words or interviews.
Despite the backlash, some defended Dylan, suggesting his interview took place before their fallout. But the source of their estrangement remains unclear. Julz had posted a warm tribute to Dylan as recently as August 2022, referring to him as ‘my very first best friend.’
Dylan O’Brien has been in the spotlight not just for his acting but for stepping into roles that spotlight LGBTQIA+ issues, such as in Ponyboi, where he plays a character connected to the intersex community. He admitted he was previously very uneducated about these topics but found the experience enlightening.
Many regard Dylan as an ally due to his film roles and his outspoken nature about LGBTQIA+ issues. However, this online exchange has challenged his reputation, as fans debate the authenticity of his allyship in both his professional and personal life.
The disagreement between Dylan and Julz O’Brien highlights how personal and public personas can sometimes clash. While Dylan’s intentions may be questioned, it’s a poignant reminder that genuine relationships require more than just words. The public eagerly awaits future developments.
