Jussie Smollett, who plays gay artist Jamal Lyon on “Empire,” has opened up about his off-screen personal life (sort of).
After his appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” on Monday, Jussie sat down with Ellen for a post-show heart-to-heart chat, where the actor/singer seemed to speak out about his sexuality.
“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,” he told Ellen. “What you’ve done with, in the LGBT community is very much in my opinion kind of like what Michael Jackson did with the black community just that you are who you are. And he was just Michael and you’re just Ellen so it was really important to me to make sure that it got across that there is no closet. There’s never been a closet hat I’ve been in. I don’t own a closet. I got a dresser, but I don’t have a closet. I have a home and that is my responsibility to protect that home.”
Adding, “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.”
Ellen said that since Jussie’s sexuality has been the subject of much speculation, she wanted to provide a platform for him to speak out, if he so desired.
“There are questions out there so I think that’s why it was my responsibility to at least give you the opportunity,” she said. “And I am so proud of you that you say there is no closet there never has been a closet. You’ve never pretending to be anything that you aren’t.”
Jussie replied, “Ever, ever. So let’s 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.”
The performer added that his “mama knows” the truth.
“My Mama likes me a lot. And yes, I take her to the ‘Sound of Music sing-along every, single year. So, any questions?” he laughed. “But, you know, honestly, we’re humans and we love and we do all that good stuff… Now you don’t even gotta ask no more.”
— Erin O’Sullivan
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