HGTV’s Ty Pennington Forced to Turn Off Comments After ‘Ugly’ Replies to Immigration Post
HGTV star Ty Pennington felt no choice but to turn off his Instagram comments on Sunday (January 26) after a post he made sharing his thoughts on the current state of the world.
The Rock the Block host took to Instagram on Sunday, sharing a slideshow of videos of people standing up for immigrants and sharing touching immigration stories amid President Donald Trump‘s wide-ranging immigration crackdown.
“I’ve been pretty quiet on here recently. This month has felt very dark,” Pennington wrote in the post’s caption. “Almost every day we turn on the news to another tragedy and it’s hard to keep going like everything is normal. I fear this country has completely lost its empathy 😔💔.”
Less than an hour after the post was up, Pennington edited his caption to reveal he was turning off the comments due to the “ugly” replies some people had left on the post.
“And 45mins in and I have to turn the comments off bc it’s gotten so ugly- completely proving my point,” he wrote. “Sad times we’re living in. This isn’t about politics, it’s about humanity and if you disagree, you’re free to unfollow ✌🏼❤️.”
View this post on Instagram
The previous comments are no longer visible, but the post has received over 8,000 likes, including from fellow HGTV stars like Love It or List It alum Hilary Farr, Bargain Block realtor Shea Hicks-Whitfield, Help! I Wrecked My House star Jasmine Roth, Married to Real Estate hosts Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, and Renovation Island star Sarah Baeumler.
Despite the comments being shut off on his latest post, fans took to Pennington’s last post, shared on January 1, where many shared their appreciation for his message.
“I know you turned off the comments on your post about immigrants. But I wanted to say thank you for making that post. I would follow you again if I could. I agree 💯 with you, this country has lost its soul, its ability to have empathy for others,” wrote one commenter.
“I don’t know how we got here, but I want a country where everyone is accepted for who they are, no matter where they came from, who they love, their religion, how they identify, or what their immigration status is,” the user continued. “People need to start watch Mr. Rogers again and learn from his humanitarian & tolerance teachings. Thank you Ty.”
Another added, “1/26. Thank you for today’s post. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and let’s keep working for better days- for all of us.”
Pennington replied to both comments with a series of love heart emojis.
HGTV renewed Rock the Block for a sixth season in September, with Pennington set to return as host. The new season will feature a twist, as two veteran teams will face off against two rookie teams for the first time. Season 6 is scheduled to premiere in Spring 2025.
Rock the Block, Season 6 Premiere, Spring 2025, HGTV
Conversation11 Comments
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R
He has the right to post on his Instagram without fear. However, this is a hot button issue so he should expect backlash to some degree. These are not actual immigrants who followed the law and became citizens. These are people who entered the country illegally, bringing with them a crime wave we are unable to stop without drastic action. If I were to relocate and become a citizen in another country, I would not sneak in. I would abide by their laws and not expect a free ride.
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G
Immigrants that entered improperly historically do not commit crimes inside the country precisely for fear of being singled out. They are searching for a better life and a job, and do work our citizens won't do. They don't have a free ride and they do not commit crimes at nearly the rate our own citizens do. That said, they should have entered legally and since they didn't, they should have an alternate route to citizenship in the country that they have contributed to. No one benefits, including the United States, by having otherwise law abiding, contributing immigrants leave.
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R
We're not talking about the same thing. Immigrants who come here looking for a better life do it by the book, applying for proper documentation. They get jobs, pay their way, like all US citizens. The folk sneaking across the border are getting a free ride: housing medical, food, in sanctuary cities. They do not contribute. And they are committing crimes, we've seen plenty of reports of heinous acts. Yes our citizens do too, goes without saying. Again, I support immigrants, they are the backbone of this country, just do it legally.
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G
First of all, the vast majority of immigrants who have arrived here in the past 10, 20 years are law-abiding and hard working, and as Rob R says, they simply want to earn money and feed their families with some measure of security. Are all of them here lawfully? Probably not, but that doesn't mean that every immigrant should be criminalized. Secondly, we Americans are entitled in that we don't fear for our safety on a daily basis, or fear for our families' quality of life; if those things were in jeopardy you might think of going somewhere where you could earn a decent living and not be afraid every day. Going to such a place legally would be ideal, but it's not easy and could take months, if not years, so you might think it's worth the risk to get into that place however you can for your family's sake. Wouldn't you?
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J
trump has committed many more.he just pardoned 1600 criminals.so much for law and order.
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R
It's all fine and good until your relative is the next Lakin Riley 🤔😡🙏
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L
Agree 💯 with PMH. It's illegal to break into the United States without proper legal documents. Do it legally, and contribute positively to our economy. Left wing liberal ideology has gone to far, endorsing illegal immigration.
Imagine a United States citizen trying to enter Europe illegally without proper legal documentation. Do you think Europe would allow and encourage that ?
Peace ☮️.
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R
I think his comment wasn’t taking sides, as much as commenting on the aggressive ugly name calling that currently takes the place of conversation about issues. Personally, I didn’t vote for Obama or Biden, yet I’ve noticed if I criticize Trump in any shape or form, someone immediately says, “Oh another Obama worshipper.” Or Biden worshiper, etc. Um, no, I never worshiped or even liked either one, but my critical thinking is still intact and I see something happening in our country that is very scary.
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G
I don't take advice on empathy from an obnixious screeching loudmouth who has made a living of "improving" homes to the point the owners can't even afford the damn light and water bills anymore. What a ridiculous person Ty is.
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O
Well maybe you should think before you post @typennington. There's so many ppl that are US citizens and ARE legal AND that are struggling and you're worried about Illegals. Think about that!! That was a thoughtless comment.
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R
These people are crazy. I’m with Pennington. Time will tell what a mess he’s going to make.
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