Margaret Cho Rejects 'Heated Rivalry' Role Due to ICE Detainment Concerns

Comedian Margaret Cho revealed that her opposition to the Trump administration and fears of ICE detainment led her to decline a role in HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry.

During an appearance on the I Never Liked You podcast, Cho explained that she received the script for the series—now a breakout hit—over the holidays and was eager to participate. However, her decision to reject the role was driven by concerns over potential detainment at the U.S.-Canada border.

“Last year, I got a pilot script for a show that I really loved, but it shot in Canada, and I was so scared because I’m so vocal about hating ICE and hating this administration,” Cho said. “I was like, I will get detained at the border and I will be put in ICE detention if I go.”

She added, “It’s all because of Trump.”

Cho described the decision as agonizing, consulting multiple people before ultimately choosing to avoid the risk. She called the choice “horrible” and admitted it still “kills” her because she was excited about the project.

“The pilot was beautiful, and I was like, I want to do this,” she said.

Despite the setback, Cho has not given up on appearing in the series. She has reached out to the Heated Rivalry team, hoping for an opportunity in a future season.

Cho has continued her criticism of the Trump administration, most recently in March at The Queerties, where she condemned the president’s policies, including the potential for a military draft.

“It’s a f–king nightmare, we’re in a f–king war, they want to draft people for this incontinent child molester who doesn’t even know what he wants out of anything. It’s just insane,” she stated. “I just hate listening to all of them. Karoline Leavitt is saying, ‘Oh, we’re not ruling out a draft.’ They’re going to actually let our nation’s children die for this ridiculous cause.”

Heated Rivalry, which premiered during the 2025 holiday season, has gained significant attention for its portrayal of two professional hockey players in a secret relationship. The show launched the careers of stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams. Season 2 is scheduled to begin filming later this summer.