Glee star Darren Criss breaks the internet with a cool red carpet look

Darren Criss, star of gay favorite Gleestepped out on the red carpet last night (October 28) wearing her boldest look yet – yet couch critics are divided.

The American crime the actor appeared at the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) 2024 Fashion Awards wearing a cropped open black blazer and silver chains with some chest hair sticking out for good measure.

However, it’s the bottom half of his look that really grabbed the spotlight as he opted for an aubergine purple tulle skirt by designer Christian Siriano adorned with black roses.

The surprise look, which harks back to Billy Porter’s famous fuchsia tuxedo at last year’s Golden Globes, marks the first time Criss has dabbled with dresses in his public fashion.

Online, the look has gone semi-viral, and it’s fair to say opinions are very mixed.

Some were quick to say he looked “ridiculously hot”, while others wrote that the daring fit was enough to reignite their “obsession” with the star.

“One thing about Darren Criss is that he will never get caught in a boring fit,” one fan wrote.

Another added: “Like early Glee damn i loved Darren Criss in high school and college so it’s cool to see him experiment with fashion like this. Personally, I think it’s a cute look.”

“Is it CRISSmas? Because this is a GIFT,” joked a third.

Others, however, were far more pointed in their comments.

“I believe all clothes are for everyone regardless of gender so I feel comfortable saying this outfit would look bad on anyone,” wrote one reckless social media user.

“I mean, as a Darren Criss stan, I’d say yes, but there’s something that makes me say uh no,” added a second.

A third wild faux critic wrote: “Why can’t men break gender norms in a cute dress? Why does it always have to look like the first thing they see on the rack?”

The bold get-up has prompted some social media users to bring up Criss’ sexuality, which has remained a constant source of online speculation since he played gay student Blaine Anderson in Ryan Murphy’s hit series. Glee.

Despite being straight – he is married to film producer Mia Swier, with whom he has two children – Criss has had to reject suggestions that he is gay on numerous occasions.

Earlier this year, he took heat for suggesting that he is “culturally queer,” having been “inspired” by queer culture since he was a child.

He has also previously explained that he would not take the role of Blaine if it were offered to him today, as he did not want to be “another straight boy taking on the role of a gay man”.

His latest red carpet look has led some social media users to question whether he is truly inspired by queer culture, as they suggested that the look was not one likely to be worn by a queer star .

“Hollywood straight men who really try to get praise for breaking gender boundaries are always so allergic to actually earning,” wrote one commenter.

Another added: “Why can’t any of these outfits ever look good like you make queer people look like we can’t dress.”

Despite the many opinions, it is actually a Blaine Anderson quote it best sums up Darren Criss’ latest red carpet statement: “Listen, guys can be divas too.”

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.