As Beauty in Black returns to Netflix with new episodes, one of its cast members is drawing attention for off-screen remarks. Xavier Smalls, who plays Angel in the Tyler Perry drama, is drawing attention after a February TikTok Live resurfaced online in the days surrounding the show’s March 19 release.
In the clip, Smalls speaks about religion and sin, saying, “Yes, God does love you… But he’ll send you to Hell.” When asked directly in the chat whether LGBTQ people would be condemned, he responded, “Not because he doesn’t love you, but because he’s so holy, he can’t dwell with unholy people.”
He went on to say that the belief was not limited to LGBTQ individuals, adding, “It’s not just the LGBT… If you’re a drunk… If you’re a murderer… These are all sins.”
The resurfaced video has circulated on social media as Beauty in Black, created by Tyler Perry, continues its rollout. The series, which premiered in October 2024, centers on Kimmie, played by Taylor Polidore Williams, a former exotic dancer who gains control of the Bellarie family’s beauty empire after marrying its patriarch.
Smalls is part of the show’s core ensemble, and his role as Angel has helped raise his profile as the series grows. A 2020 graduate of Sacramento State University with training at New York’s William Esper Studio, he has built his résumé across film and television, including appearances in Madea’s Destination Wedding and the short film Shelf Life.
He has also worked behind the camera, writing and directing the short film Picture Perfect, which focuses on mental health and communication.
According to NJ.com, the second part of season two brings eight new episodes that expand on key storylines, including fallout within the Bellarie family and tensions surrounding the death of a central character.
The show has already been renewed for a third and final season. All current episodes of Beauty in Black are now available to stream on Netflix.
