By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
As “Empire” continues to break records with amazing ratings each week, it was only a matter of time before the show’s stars starting nabbing lots of attention and interviews.
Jussie Smollett is gaining lots of fans thanks to his excellent job portraying Lucious’ talented and gay son Jamal, but some are wondering if he plays the part so well because he can really relate to Jamal’s story in real life.
When asked about his sexuality by Sway Calloway recently, Jussie said he’d rather not discuss it because his private life should remain that way, but Malik Yoba slipped up and actually confirmed the actor is indeed gay in his real life.
Malik tells Black Film:
“I think that our show represents a huge opportunity to stay in the culture beyond entertainment value and there’s an intrinsic nature of you have the gay factor, right? So, obviously, Lee is gay. That was an important storyline for him. I think it’s important for people to see themselves. Even within the Black community. But if you aren’t really, really taking it off of screen and making it live in the community in a significant way…like I know Jussie, he is gay, and he’s very committed to issues around the LGBT community. He and I have a very close relationship.”
Jussie hasn’t responded to Malik’s comments, but there’s no need since the good news keeps rolling in. According to multiple reports, Jussie just inked a deal with Columbia Records.
Congrats to Jussie.
And that’s fine. It’ll be great when being gay is as normal as being straight. It’s a preference, not the end of the world.
Agreed.
Eh I could sense he is gay. But I don’t care. He’s talented and I’m happy for his success.
This. I’m a fan regardless.
I knew it!!! Aww and he’s still fine and I still have a crush on him.
A lot of people figured he was. But I can’t say it matters. He’s doing a great job on the show, so he has my support no matter what.
I knew he was gay but I’m not understanding why he just won’t come out and say he’s gay. What’s the big deal it is 2015 and he plays a gay character.
I’m not understanding that either. No one will be mad at him if he says he’s gay. Well at least I don’t think it will be an issue if he confirms.
Yeah I don’t get it either.
I’d still smash if given the chance. IDGAF.
#DEAD
Well DUH.
What does it matter if he is straight or gay? We aren’t saying Malik is a straight actor, or Cookie is gay or straight, either way he is a man playing a character.
Thank goodness it’s 2015 and most of us on here don’t care one way or the other. As long as he continues to do an amazing job as Jamal, more doors should open up for him.
Malik should not be telling Jussie’s business in interviews though. It’s not his to tell.
This was no secret. He starred in a movie I saw last year called The Skinny.
I still love him. #shrugs
I suspected this much.
I understand why he doesn’t want to come out publicly because for one it’s irrelevant. He is a part of a well known family but I’ve never seen much about him. I am sure that he has had other roles but his breakout role that is so popular that every Wednesday no matter where I am people are rushing, scrambling around and trying to leave work early not to miss Empire. My opinion (only an opinion) I think he doesn’t want to be type casted to always be the gay man, not because of shame but because of his skill. He doesn’t always have to play the gay character because he is versatile enough to play any role. I don’t think it was Malik’s place to put that out there if Jussie’s wishes was to keep his private life private. Many speculated he was gay but without confirmation he could have just been an great actor.
I don’t care if he’s gay or straight. He’s a good actor and that’s all that matters.
I am very happy for Jussie. His music is awesome and he’s a great actor. I’m looking forward to more wonderful things from Empire cast.