Kris Connor
Getty
Since playing a gay character on TV’s highest rated drama Empire’s Jussie Smollett, who plays Jamal Lyons, has been actively dodging questions in interviews regarding his own sexual orientation in real life. During a visit to Ellen, it made sense that he finally put the issue to rest and confirmed what many already assumed even though its none of their business. He confirms that he is gay.
Here’s what he said on Ellen:
“It was very, very important to me that as my first performance
and talk show that it was with you. You’ve been such an inspiration to so many but also to me. What you’ve done in the LGBT community is very much, in my opinion, what Michael Jackson did in the Black community. You are who you are. He was just Michael and you’re just Ellen.”
“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 closet, I have a dresser. But I have a home and that is my responsibility to protect that home. 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 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 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. My momma knows. My momma likes me a lot. And yes, I take her to the ‘Sound of Music’ sing-a-long every single year. So, any questions?”
“Now, y’all don’t gotta ask no more. I told Ellen. Who else do I need to tell?”
