By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
Jussie Smollett’s sexuality has been a hot topic amid the continued and surging success of “Empire.” And while he originally said he wanted to keep his personal life private, his own costar Malik Yoba accidentally revealed Jussie is gay in a recent interview.
Jussie is speaking out about his sexuality, and he wants to make it clear to his fans that he was never ashamed.
He tells Ellen DeGeneres:
“It was really important to me to make sure that it got across that there is no closet. There’s never been a closet. That I’ve been in. I don’t own a closet, I got a dresser, but I don’t have a closet, but I have a home and that is my responsibility to protect that home.
“So that’s why I choose not to talk bout my personal life. But there is without a doubt, no closet that I’ve ever been in, and I just wanted to make that clear, but it was most important for me to make that clear to you on your show at this time in the world. And that’s where I’m at. So lets not read into it the wrong when I say that I don’t talk about my personal life, I’m saying that. But it is in no way to hide or deny who god made me. Ya know?
“My mama knows. My Mama likes me a lot. And yes I take her to the Sound of Music sing-along every, single year. So, any questions? But you know honestly, we’re humans and we love and we do all that good stuff. So I’m honored for this opportunity and I’m honored to be here with you.”
Check out the video below:
Good for him. it’s still kind of messed up Malik put his business out there though.
I don’t think Malik meant to be messy. I think it was an accident and he probably feels bad about it. But at least the truth is out there now and Jussie sees people don’t care one way or the other because we’re more focused on his talent.
I understand not talking about your personal life. I don’t understand hiding your sexual orientation. BUT, who am I? *shrug*
I don’t think it’s hiding necessarily. The way I see it, people don’t go around screaming from the hills that they’re straight, why should you have to tell people if your not? But that’s probably just me because I think it’s rude to ask people what they do with their genitals.
I agree and that’s along the lines of what I posted on the Malik Yoba post. While straight people aren’t asked their sexual orientation, it’s not something that’s “withheld” either.
I love this response. Just because you choose to keep your love life private from the media doesn’t mean you’re ashamed. As long as he’s comfortable in the skin he’s in and his family and friends support him he’s good.
And he still wouldn’t just come out and say the words “I’m Gay”. Now I understand how hard it is as a gay man to be yourself when you have career goals in mind because a lot of people are still ignorant, but if you aren’t in the closet, act like you’re not in the closet. Tell people your orientation and be clear about it.
But gay people run Hollywood though lol so I don’t get him maybe it’s other issues but career wise he will be fine.
Yes we do run Hollywood, but there’s a lot of actors who are gay but won’t say so because they think people won’t support them anymore. And if they are a sex symbol, they feel telling the world they are gay would make them lose a lot of fans. But I do agree with you. None of this will hurt him any. He’s way too talented for his sexual orientation to be an issue.
He’s quickly becoming one of my faves.
Same here.
he can still get it tho
And this is why I really like this guy. At the end of the day, all he owes us is a good performance onscreen…nothing else. What he does between the sheets is his business, not mine. Cuz I damn sure ain’t telling noone the sh-t I do – thank you very much!
I’m still giving him the side eye because he had to know when he first took this role people would interested and basically be nosey about his sexual orientation. I think Malik Yoba just made a simple mistake it was going to eventually get out anyway to me he made it a bigger story by not saying anything.
In a way it seems like Malik forced him to say something. Anyway, I like what he had to say.
I don’t care if he’s gay or straight. That has nothing to do with his singing or acting. But uh thanks for letting us know I guess.
Thanks Malik.
Well said.
Love this dude.