Premium Content:

Jussie Smollett, Star of 'Empire' Comes Out

Jussie Smollett Ellen DeGeneres

Jussie Smollett is an actor best known for playing aspiring musician Jamal Lyon in the TV series ‘Empire’, which follows the story of hip hop and entertainment company ‘Empire Enterprises’ and its founding family.

- Advertisement -

Smollett’s sexuality has been subject to public speculation since it was revealed his character on ‘Empire’ is gay. His portrayal of the role has attracted praise, with TIME magazine calling it “one of the most provocative, frank and relatable gay plotlines on television right now”.

When Smollett appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres show, he initially responded vaguely to questions about his personal life “What’s happening in my life, it’s been great” he said. However, after his allotted segemnt was over, he opted to speak openly on the subject of his sexuality to DeGeneres.

“It was really important 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.” he said.

Watch the entire conversation below.

OIP Staff

Latest

Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ is powerful, terrifying and the best thing on TV

The Netflix series is getting critical acclaim and audiences are raving.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

There's so much new music this week, it's a double edition of Fresh Tracks.

On This Gay Day | Remembering Merritt Butrick

The Star Trek actor died at the age of 29 in 1989 one of the many people lost to HIV/AIDS.

Nicola Sturgeon says society will look back and feel shame about the treatment of transgender people

The former First Minister of Scotland announced the end of her time as a politician.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ is powerful, terrifying and the best thing on TV

The Netflix series is getting critical acclaim and audiences are raving.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

There's so much new music this week, it's a double edition of Fresh Tracks.

On This Gay Day | Remembering Merritt Butrick

The Star Trek actor died at the age of 29 in 1989 one of the many people lost to HIV/AIDS.

Nicola Sturgeon says society will look back and feel shame about the treatment of transgender people

The former First Minister of Scotland announced the end of her time as a politician.

Lil Nas X enters his ‘Dreamboy’ era

Lil Nas X has shared five new songs, all with matching pink videos.

Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ is powerful, terrifying and the best thing on TV

The Netflix series is getting critical acclaim and audiences are raving.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

There's so much new music this week, it's a double edition of Fresh Tracks.

On This Gay Day | Remembering Merritt Butrick

The Star Trek actor died at the age of 29 in 1989 one of the many people lost to HIV/AIDS.