Jussie Smollett has confirmed rumors
that he's gay.
The 31-year-old Smollett currently
plays a gay role on the Fox musical drama Empire.
Since taking the role of Jamal Lyon,
Smollett has refused to discuss his personal life. But in a
backstage interview with Ellen DeGeneres, he said 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,” he said.
“So that's why I choose not to talk
about 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, let's not read
into it in the wrong way 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. You 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 honestly, we're human 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,” Smollett added.
(The video is embedded on this page. Visit
our video library for more videos.)