(Photo Credits: Screengrab from Good Morning America’s Official YouTube Account)
Today (April 14), former Bachelor star Colton Underwood got candid about his sexual orientation and came out as gay during an exclusive interview with Robin Roberts on “Good Morning America.” He said he’d been aware that he was “different” since he was six years old and that he had known he was gay since high school. Underwood revealed:
<blockquote>I’ve ran from myself for a long time. I’ve hated myself for a long time. And I’m gay. And I came to terms with that earlier this year and have been processing it. And the next step in all of this was sort of letting people know. I’m still nervous, but yeah. It’s been a journey for sure. </blockquote>
As to why he chose this moment to come out, Underwood explained he’d had a wakeup call when he got into a place that was “dark and bad.” He said it got into a point in his life where he “would’ve rather died” than say, “I’m gay.”
When asked if he ever thought about harming himself, Underwood confessed, “There was a moment in L.A. that I woke up and I didn’t think I was gonna wake up. I didn’t have the intentions of waking up. And I did.” He added, “And I think for me, that was like my wakeup call, like this is your life. Take back control.”
The 29-year-old former football player is best-known for his stint on The Bachelor. He was first a contestant during the 14th season of The Bachelorette that starred Becca Kufrin as well as on the 5th season of Bachelor in Paradise before he was cast as The Bachelor himself on Season 23 in 2019.
Underwood was dubbed as the “virgin bachelor,” having revealed this fact on The Bachelorette. He shared, “I fully was a virgin before that, and I could never give anybody a good enough answer as to why I was a virgin.”
The former NFL star explained, “The truth is, I was a ‘virgin Bachelor’ because I was gay and I didn’t know how to handle it.”
Lastly, Underwood said, “I’m still the same Colton everybody met on TV. I’m still the same Colton to my friends and family. I just happen to be able to share with people now all of me and I am proud of that. You know, I am proud to be gay.”
Watch the interview in full below:
Welcome to the club.
Colton is representative of most of the gay guys I know. Failed by the Community which has promoted a one-sided unrealistic image of gay men: flamboyant, feminine, diva-loving, fashion obsessed, etc. Many gay guys are all that and are comfortable being who they are. Good. But many gay guys have their sexuality on the inside. They especially have no desire to say “I’m gay” when they don’t fit the promoted “gay mold”. This can lead to years/decades of surpressing who they are. As gay acceptance has grown, more gay men who do not fit the mold have become visible. More… Read more »
Attractive young man..
Congratulations Colton! there may be a lot of naysayers out there….but don’t let that bother you from being yourself…..in YOUR OWN TIME! No one can say what’s right for another person…..just be true to yourself. Something tells me you won’t be single for long! 🙂
I knew it from day one, he was so nice, cute, his emotions got to him fast and showed his true colors I hope he finds that one person who will take their time and treat him with care, love, joy and most of all true friendship what will grow with them both as times goes by. I have never felt bad as far as religions I knew God loved me cause I am a child of God and even when I was under 10 going to church one Sunday the pastor was speaking and what he said stuck to… Read more »
“I knew God loved me ’cause I’m a child of God” Amen! Thumbs-up for that one! I was 12-14 years old, in church one Sunday as I posed the question, “what is it that they feel?” If you’ve not been to an African American church, you might not know what I mean… I was never quite the same, Creator showed me. I think it’s one of the BIGGIST mistakes gay men typically are making; not getting “in touch” or even seeking-out the better or spiritual of our “Creator” a term I prefer when mentioning such. I’m always happy, when hearing… Read more »
This is the first I’ve ever heard of him. (I don’t watch “reality” shows).
He seems sweet and genuine. But, I can’t seem to shake the idea that this guy, who had his (fraudulent) 15 minutes of fame, is looking for another 15 minutes. Hence the Netflix show. Welcome to the world of Kaitlin Jenner …. Kaitlin who?
I agree. Sweet, yes. Genuine, not so much. He knew he was different
since he was 6 years old and yet he made a point of appearing on National TV,
on a show that is about heterosexual dating rites – I smell fame whore.
Sorry.
That’s what I meant by (fraudulent). He had everyone assume he was straight in order to get on the show. I meant genuine in the sense of how he is presenting himself now.
Congratulations Colton for coming out as gay! Good for you!
YAWN. Now he can watch his career disappear like everyone else that came out before him. Youth…stop listening to they hype…coming out destroys your life No one needs to know. The same people that support your coming out, will NOT be around when your life goes down the drain. This was NOT designed for minorities especially.
I laughed out loud when I saw this online. Colton my man, everybody, everybody knew you were gay. I mean c’mon.
You can be certain he’s not the only former bachelor on that show who was/is gay. Men (and women and trans) of all sexual persuasions use those shows as a stepping stone to get into Hollywood; to be a part of “that” crowd. Given the rise of reality shows, which costs nothing to produce (and they don’t pay the participants much money), it could lead to something bigger. Colton looks/presents much like any other generic white boy with (Hollywood) stars in their eyes. Good for him if he can land a show, but it’s unlikely his star will burn long… Read more »
Especially when you’re that hot yet haven’t found anybody and your approaching, or in, your 30’s. You’re either a sociopath, a non-committal sex addict, or gay.
It’s very common to not find someone before your thirties especially with my generation. Getting married or being in a long term cohabitation relationship is not a viable option for people who are struggling financially and are still trying to figure out their futures.
I hope he proceeds carefully. He is handsome, a virgin, and , for his type, sexy. He will have men lining up to use him. The “Christian thing” will not protect. Also, hope he proceeds safely. Seems a little nervous and naive.
First off I am like so in love with Colton Underwood I think he’s an incredible nice guy and regardless of people saying he’s lied or misled or to the restraining order All that aside I feel like it’s why people do what they do They’re struggling or hurrying and they do things they not ally wouldnt Plus I think He’s so fucking Hot and I’d totally love him but I first want to address the fact that people mocked him for being on this bachelor show even at his young age but yet him being mocked as he’s stated… Read more »
luv u Colton, honey! all the best for you stud!