Jerrod Carmichael Comes Out As Gay In ‘Rothaniel’ HBO Special

Jerrod Carmichael comes out as gay in his new HBO special, “Rothaniel,” which premieres on April 1.

In “Rothaniel,” which was taped in February at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, Jerrod opens up about the weight of carrying his secret throughout his life and career.

He also shares how coming out has changed his relationships with his family and friends for both the better and the worse.

After sharing a story about realizing his father had been cheating on his mother for a year, Jerrod Carmichael said: 

After that was out in the open, I was left alone feeling like a liar, because I had a secret.

One that I kept from my father, my mother, my family, my friends, and you. 

Professionally, personally. And the secret is that I’m gay.

After his revelation, there is applause from the audience and he says: 

I’m accepting the love, I really appreciate the love. My ego wants to rebel against it.

I rebelled against it my whole life. I thought I’d never, ever come out. 

At many points I thought I’d rather die than confront the truth of that, to actually say it to people. 

Because I know it changes some people’s perceptions of me. 

I can’t control that.

Watch the trailer for “Rothaniel” below. 

The special premieres on Friday, April 1 at 9 p.m. EST on HBO. 

Oh, and Jerrod is also set to host “SNL” this weekend!

Will you be watching?

Source: Variety