A Unique Bond Born in the Celebrity Big Brother House
Chesney Hawkes, known to many as the iconic voice behind The One and Only, recently opened up about an unexpected and heartwarming development that began in the Celebrity Big Brother house and is now making waves beyond reality TV. During his time on ITV2’s Celebrity Big Brother, Hawkes, 53, struck up a remarkable friendship with fellow housemate JoJo Siwa, the energetic pop singer and LGBTQ advocate known for her hit single Karma and her powerful presence within the queer community.
But their bond didn’t end when the cameras stopped rolling. In a recent interview at the Bafta TV Awards in London, Hawkes revealed that JoJo had also become close with his 21-year-old daughter, Jesse — and the two are planning to celebrate Pride together this June.
Jesse and JoJo: A Celebration of Identity and Unity
Hawkes’ daughter Jesse, also 21, identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community. According to Hawkes, the connection between JoJo and Jesse was immediate, fostered in part by the strong protective instincts he developed toward JoJo in the house.
“I introduced JoJo to Jesse because they’re the same age, and they just clicked,” Hawkes said. “Jesse’s very much part of the LGBTQ community herself, and she really admires what JoJo stands for — she’s bold, unapologetic, and so empowering to young queer people.”
The pair are now reportedly gearing up to attend one of the most vibrant and inclusive celebrations in the world: Los Angeles Pride, scheduled for the second weekend of June. Hawkes confirmed, “Jesse will be going over for Pride with JoJo.”
Pride Month: A Time of Reflection, Celebration, and Progress
Understanding the Importance of Pride
Pride Month is more than just a series of parades and parties — it’s a cultural and political movement, a celebration of love, diversity, and acceptance. For members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, Pride is a time to honor the history of queer liberation, recognize the ongoing fight for equality, and come together in joyful defiance of discrimination.
For someone like Jesse, who is navigating her own journey of identity, having a mentor and friend like JoJo could be life-affirming. Siwa has long used her platform to challenge societal norms and promote authenticity.
The Los Angeles Pride Experience
Held every June in the heart of West Hollywood, LA Pride is one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ events in the world. From the massive street parade to its headlining musical performances and city-wide celebrations, the event attracts people from all walks of life. It serves as a safe space, a celebration of love, and an affirmation of identity.
For Jesse and JoJo, attending LA Pride isn’t just a social outing — it’s a bold, public statement of solidarity, resilience, and community.
Chesney’s Fatherly Role in the Big Brother House
A Protective Presence
Throughout his time on Celebrity Big Brother, Hawkes became something of a paternal figure in the house. His bond with JoJo was especially poignant, particularly after an incident involving controversial actor Mickey Rourke.
Rourke allegedly made homophobic remarks toward JoJo, an event that triggered strong emotions from Hawkes. In a heartfelt confessional in the Diary Room, he said, “It’s funny because JoJo is the same age as my daughter. My daughter is also part of the LGBTQ community so it just reminded me of her, and I think [JoJo] really handled it well. I was just sort of proud of her in a fatherly way.”
These sentiments reflect more than just reality TV camaraderie — they underscore how deeply personal LGBTQ+ rights are for Hawkes, especially as a parent.
Speaking Out Against Discrimination
The reality TV environment, notorious for its high-stress situations and unfiltered interactions, often exposes raw societal tensions. Hawkes’ reaction to the incident wasn’t just an emotional response but also a statement of allyship. In a time when public figures are often scrutinized for their silence, his willingness to defend JoJo and speak about his daughter’s identity demonstrates both compassion and courage.
It’s a reminder of how vital parental support is for LGBTQ+ youth — and how much it means to have someone in your corner.
JoJo Siwa: A Queer Icon for the Next Generation
The Evolution of JoJo Siwa
JoJo Siwa, now 21, has undergone a striking transformation over the past few years — from sparkly bows and children’s TV to being an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Her coming out in 2021 was a cultural moment, and her refusal to be anything but herself has resonated deeply with young queer audiences.
Siwa has used her platform to speak openly about her identity as a lesbian, challenge double standards, and celebrate queer love through music and performance. Her latest single, Karma, showcases a more mature and assertive version of herself, reflecting her ongoing evolution as both an artist and activist.
A Role Model for Jesse and Others
For someone like Jesse, who shares not only JoJo’s age but also her identity as part of the LGBTQ+ community, JoJo’s presence can be empowering. She represents what it means to be confident and unapologetically queer in a world that can often be unkind to those who step outside the norm.
Their upcoming trip to Pride isn’t just about partying; it’s about connecting, celebrating, and supporting one another in a shared journey of self-discovery.
The Aftermath of Celebrity Big Brother: Life Beyond the House
Chesney’s Post-CBB Transition
Back on the red carpet at the Bafta TV Awards, Hawkes spoke candidly about adjusting to post-Big Brother life. “I feel like this is my first proper release back into the wild here,” he joked. “I’ve been gigging, I’ve never stopped.”
Since exiting the house, Chesney has resumed touring to promote his new album, balancing his musical career with newfound reality TV fame. But despite the whirlwind, he remains connected to his experience in the house — especially his bond with JoJo and what it symbolized.
JoJo’s Breakup and Rumored Romance
Since her own return from the Big Brother house, JoJo has been making headlines for reasons beyond her musical career. At the show’s finale afterparty, she reportedly ended her relationship with Australian influencer Kath Ebbs. The timing was curious, leading to widespread media speculation.
Fueling the rumor mill further was JoJo’s seemingly affectionate dynamic with fellow housemate Chris Hughes. The pair’s closeness and tactile interactions sparked speculation about whether there was a romantic connection — though neither has confirmed anything beyond friendship.
For JoJo, who has often spoken about how scrutinized queer relationships are in the public eye, the attention surrounding her love life is both a burden and a testament to her cultural visibility.
Celebrity Influence in LGBTQ+ Advocacy
The Power of Allyship in Entertainment
Both JoJo and Chesney serve as powerful examples of how visibility and allyship can intersect in pop culture. While JoJo represents the lived experience of being an openly queer young person in entertainment, Chesney offers the perspective of a supportive parent and ally.
Together, they’re challenging the outdated boundaries that once separated generations or identities. Their story shows how empathy and understanding can flourish, even in a reality TV setting.
Why Representation Matters
Representation in media is more than symbolic — it has tangible impacts on mental health, self-esteem, and public perception. For LGBTQ+ youth, seeing someone like JoJo proudly navigating fame and queerness can be life-changing. For parents, witnessing someone like Chesney champion his daughter can provide a model of support and understanding.
By sharing their story, both publicly and through actions like attending Pride, Jesse and JoJo embody the best of what this season stands for.
What’s Next for Jesse, JoJo, and Chesney?
Celebrating Identity on a Global Stage
Jesse’s upcoming trip to LA Pride with JoJo marks more than just an exciting summer plan — it’s a powerful moment of visibility and solidarity. Together, they will join thousands of others in a collective celebration of queerness, love, and liberation.
For JoJo, it’s another opportunity to champion her community and support fellow young LGBTQ+ individuals. For Jesse, it’s a moment of affirmation — not only of who she is but of the support she receives from those around her, including her dad.
Chesney’s Continued Role as a Supportive Father
Though his time on Celebrity Big Brother may be behind him, Chesney’s role as a loving, affirming father is very much ongoing. His willingness to stand up against homophobia, celebrate his daughter’s identity, and support her friendships speaks volumes about the importance of parental love.
As he continues to tour and promote his music, Hawkes is also contributing something far more enduring: a message of love, pride, and allyship.
Final Thoughts
The story of Chesney Hawkes, his daughter Jesse, and JoJo Siwa is one of connection, celebration, and advocacy. It’s about how unlikely bonds — forged in the shared space of reality TV — can lead to profound, real-world moments of support and affirmation.
As Pride Month unfolds, their journey reminds us of the power of showing up for one another — whether as friends, parents, or public figures. In a time when representation and empathy matter more than ever, it’s a message we can all celebrate.
