Jussie Smollett is winning!
The “Empire” star stopped by “Ellen” on Monday to discuss the hit FOX series and the pivotal moment when his character Jamal Lyon came out.
Ever since the series debuted, many viewers questioned Jussie’s sexuality and wondered if his role as Jamal was art imitating life.
During his on-air interview with Ellen, Jussie Smollett gave the scoop on his background as an actor and indie artist as well as the chain of events that eventually landed him a lead role on the hottest show on television.
Jussie also gave a great live performance his heartfelt single, “Good Enough” from the “Empire” soundtrack.
But, after the show…Jussie still had something he wanted to get off of his chest. So, he knocked on Ellen’s dressing room door and asked for a moment to share something special with her.
It was at that moment that Jussie Smollett shared his admiration for Ellen DeGeneres and everything she’s done for the LGBT community. Jussie also confirmed he is indeed a gay man by saying, “There’s never been a closet,” referring to his sexuality. He added that he simply chooses to protect his privacy.
You’ve been such an inspiration to so many, but also to me.
What you’ve done within 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 that I’ve been in.
I don’t own a closet, I got a dresser, but I don’t have a closet. But I have a home and that is my responsibility, to protect that home. So, that’s why I chose 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 for me to make that clear to you on your show at this time in the world.
Watch Jussie’s heart-to-heart with Ellen below.
Check out video of Jussie Smollett‘s on-air interview and his live performance of “Good Enough” below.
Photo: EllenTube
