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Glee star Heather Morris says significance of same-sex relationship was 'never lost' on her and Naya Rivera

John Shearer/Getty Images for EW
John Shearer/Getty Images for EW

Glee star Heather Morris has revealed that both she and her late co-star Naya Rivera were fully aware of “how important our [onscreen] relationship was”, as one of the most visible mainstream depictions of a female same-sex relationship in recent years.

Addressing fans in an emotional video, Morris discussed the “huge impact” they had on her and Rivera’s characters’ relationship and also revealed she was “feeling very heavy” following the passing of her close friend.

Rivera was reported missing after her four year old son was found in a boat alone on Lake Piru. After an extensive search her body was later discovered in the lake on July 13.

A file photo of Naya Rivera and son Josey Hollis Dorsey at a movie premiere in California (AFP via Getty Images)
A file photo of Naya Rivera and son Josey Hollis Dorsey at a movie premiere in California (AFP via Getty Images)

Officers speculated that Rivera had “mustered enough energy” to swim her son back to their boat and put him on it after the pair were caught in strong currents, however County Sheriff Bill Ayub claimed she may not have had enough strength to save herself as well.

Morris said in the video that she had been “writing letters” to Rivera since her passing to help process her grief.

Morris and Rivera played Britney and Santana on Glee, two cheerleaders who throughout the show had an on-off relationship as the pair grappled with their sexuality.

The storyline was celebrated by many members of the LGBTQ+ community and since Rivera’s passing, fans have paid tribute to the former onscreen couple and the impact it had on their lives.

Addressing fans who may be “feeling a little lost and a little confused”, Morris said in an Instagram video: “I don’t need to explain what the importance of Britney and Santana’s relationship was to all of you who are watching, because most of you felt like it was your gateway into your current life. Most of you felt it was an inspiration to become your best self.”

“I want you to know that was never lost on me. It was never lost on Naya. We both knew how special that was - I think she knew it a little bit more than I did. I really felt it a lot later with all the messages and all the people reaching out,” Morris continued, adding the writers were also fully aware of its significance.

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As Morris teared up, she explained why she was reaching out to fans of her and Rivera now. Saying that Santana and Britney’s relationship “made an impact that will last."

She said: “I feel like I owed it to you guys because I think the fans were such a huge impact on our storyline. I wanna thank you all for being such advocates and so supportive of Santana and Britney’s relationship because without you guys it never would have existed.”

She ended by urging fans to be “gentle and kind” to themselves during this time.

Morris and her fellow Glee co-stars Amber Riley, Chris Colfer and Kevin McHale all gathered at Lake Piru while the search for Rivera was ongoing. Pictures showed the cast and other friends of Rivera holding hands by the lakeside on the same day Rivera’s body was discovered (which was also the death anniversary of fellow co-star Cory Monteith) and many have since paid tribute to Rivera.