The video, which has circulated widely on social media, shows a man who looks like Cawthorne pushing naked into another man’s face.
Cawthorne, 26, immediately faced harsh criticism, with some calling him a “hypocrite” for engaging in what appears to be a simulated sexual act with another man, while simultaneously speaking out against LGBTQ+ rights.
Writing on Twitter shortly after the video leaked, Cawthorne said: “A new hit just came in against me.”
He continued:
“A few years ago in this video I was rude to a friend trying to be funny. We were being silly and joking around. That’s about it. I am NOT backing down.
“I told you there would be a drip campaign. Blackmail won’t win. We will.”