Watch: 'Mean Girls' Star Daniel Franzese Says He Was Fired From University for Being Gay

In a new YouTube video, Daniel Franzese said Ohio-based Catholic educational institution Walsh University fired him for being gay. The "Mean Girls" actor and comedian alleges that his sexual orientation is the reason for his dismissal from an upcoming gig hosting and emcee-ing the university's annual Mr. Walsh Pageant.

In the video – titled "I was fired for being gay" – Franzese said, "I come to you still reeling from the horrific terrorist attack that killed eight Asian women in Georgia which has inspired me to share this experience because I truly believe that it is the microaggressions and injustices against minorities that cause hate crimes like Pulse Orlando and the horrific events of the other day."

Franzese alleges that University representatives reached out to him – and not he to them – with the idea of hiring him to host and emcee the pageant. The deal was apparently finalized by February 18 but then rescinded this week, he says, the day after the Vatican said it could not bless same-sex unions as it could not recognize and endorse sin.�

In the clip, Franzese reads a message from the director of student activities sent to his manager: "'I'm following up via email from my conversation with Gary' – that's my manager – 'regarding how the institution has decided to no longer approve the contract for Daniel. I'm incredibly disappointed and sincerely apologetic, for this is, I know, unprofessional and clearly biased on personal beliefs of the the higher administration. Please give Danny my sincerest apologies.'

"I realize that I'm privileged and that I have this audience of followers that I could share this experience with," Franzese said. "But what I started thinking about was what if this was a teacher or a student or a doctor or a patient, or a cook at the Walsh commissary, or someone enjoying food in the Walsh restaurant? When does it end? This is a sad example of how tax-exempt institutions are using their own beliefs and the unfair Religious Freedom Protection Act, the RFPA. And it can cause a ripple effect of discrimination and bigotry to further alienate LGBTQ people and our livelihoods."

Franzese also said that when the pandemic restrictions ease, he will host a comedy benefit for the Trevor Project at the gay club near Walsh. Students, faculty and staff with Walsh IDs will be allowed to free entry.

"To the LGBTQ students at Walsh, because I know you're there, I'm so sorry I can't be there with you," he said. "I imagine that you're feeling frustrated and isolated right now but you must know that God knows everything about you and he loves you just as you are. No Vatican statement can change that, no university action can change that, nothing can separate us from the love of God and Jesus Christ."

In an email statement to Out, Walsh University said "Mr. Daniel Franzese has neither been employed nor under contract for any services in any form at any time with Walsh University. The email he cites from Director of Student Activities and Leadership Anna Borges reflects her personal views." Walsh University did confirm that they had discussions with the star about hosting their annual pageant.