Colton Underwood has the support of his peers after coming out as gay.
On Wednesday’s episode of Good Morning America, the 29-year-old former Bachelor told Robin Roberts in a pre-taped interview that he is gay, adding that it’s something he “came to terms” with earlier this year, despite knowing he “was different” since age six and figuring out his sexuality as a freshman in high school.
Underwood first joined Bachelor Nation as a contestant on Becca Kufrin’s season of The Bachelorette and was later named the Bachelor himself.
JUST IN: Former “Bachelor” star @Colton Underwood speaks his truth and comes out to @robinroberts: “I’m gay. And I came to terms with that earlier this year and have been processing it… I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been in my life.” https://t.co/PoYJUAPBpApic.twitter.com/isP7SptUu7
Following Underwood’s emotional interview, the executive producers of The Bachelor released a statement in support of the former franchise lead.
“We are so inspired by Colton Underwood’s courage to embrace and pursue his authentic self,” read the statement, which was obtained by multiple outlets. “As firm believers in the power of love, we celebrate Colton’s journey in the LGBTQIA+ community every step of the way.”
JUST IN: Executive Producers of @BachelorABC franchise released a statement of support to Colton – #BachelorNationpic.twitter.com/IPBdCTYAld
Likewise, Bachelor Nation alums took to social media to show their support for Underwood.
Onyeka Ehie, who was a contestant on Underwood’s season, tweeted, “Happy for @colton for speaking his truth. We support you.”
Happy for @colton for speaking his truth. We support you ❤️
Outside of Bachelor Nation, other celebrities have been expressing their support. Andy Cohen tweeted, “You’re free now, @colton. A toaster is on its way. Great interview @RobinRoberts”
You’re free now, @colton A toaster is on its way. ?️?. Great interview @RobinRobertshttps://t.co/9nQRP6XP7D
“Sending @colton love, light, support and deep respect,” Meghan McCain wrote. “It is real bravery to live your truth in this world. Thank you for being so open and courageous with your journey.”
Sending @colton love, light, support and deep respect. It is real bravery to live your truth in this world. Thank you for being so open and courageous with your journey. ♥️ ? ??
“All the best to you @colton,” Loni Love posted on Twitter. “Life gets better standing in your truth!!!”
All the best to you @colton .. life gets better standing in your truth!!! https://t.co/taLAiQVKMN
During his interview with Roberts, Underwood admitted that he’s had “suicidal thoughts” in the past, but is now happy to be standing in his truth.
“I’m emotional in such a good, happy, positive way,” he said. “I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been in my life and that means the world to me.”
He also confessed to having mixed feelings about his time with the Bachelor franchise.
“I do think I could have handled it better. I just wish I wouldn’t have dragged people into my own mess of figuring out who I was,” he said of the women competing for his heart. “I genuinely mean that. But I also at the same time, I can sit here and say, ‘I’m sorry’ to all those women. I can also sit here and say, ‘Thank you,’ because without them and without The Bachelor franchise, I don’t know that this would have ever came out.”
Underwood’s season of The Bachelor did not end in an engagement, though he did leave the show in a relationship with Cassie Randolph. The pair dated for a year and a half before calling it quits last May.
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