Celebrities React To Colton Underwood's Coming Out Announcement

Former Bachelor star Colton Underwood has come out as gay.

"I've ran from myself for a long time. I've hated myself for a long time," he told Robin Roberts in an interview for Good Morning America that aired on April 14, 2021. "The next step in all of this is letting people know. I'm still nervous... It's been a journey for sure," he said, adding that he feels "emotional in such a good, happy, positive way."

Underwood's sexuality has been speculated since he was in high school, as he detailed in his book The First Time: Finding Myself and Looking for Love on Reality TV, per Entertainment Weekly. Rumors circulated again when he admitted on Becca Kufrin's season of The Bachelorette that he was a virgin. During the GMA interview, Underwood hinted that he had suspicions that he actually was gay as he entered the Bachelor franchise. "The truth is, I was a 'virgin Bachelor' because I was gay and I didn't know how to handle it," Colton said, per Page Six.

Following his messy breakup from Cassie Randolph in mid 2020, Colton said he had a lot of time to reflect on himself and his life. The time with himself allowed him to accept his sexuality and he is now ready to share it with the world so he can live an authentic life.

His announcement immediately received a seemingly endless landslide of positive reactions from Bachelor fans and celebrities alike. Here's what they had to say.

Colton Underwood's coming out message has many fellow Bachelor Nation alumni celebrating. Demi Burnett, who was part of the franchise's first same-sex proposal, tweeted the Indiana native a simple, "Welcome to the community brother," with rainbow and sparkle emojis. Former Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise contestant Nicole Lopez-Alvar said she was "so proud" of Colton, while franchise alumna Onyeka Ehi wrote she is "happy" Colton is "speaking his truth." Chris Randone, who was previously married to Krystal Nielson, raved about his "guy" for coming out. "Got nothing but love and support for my guy @colton," he tweeted. "Everyone has a past but as someone who has a gay sibling, the internal battle is like no other and couldn't imagine it in the public eye. Hopefully you can live you life freely now and continue to grow that relationship w God."

Some non-Bachelor stars also weighed in on Colton's announcement. The View co-host Meghan McCain wrote, "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." Bravo's Andy Cohen tweeted that Colton is "free now." 

Furthermore, the producers of The Bachelor released a unified statement to The Hollywood Reporter following the interview and said they are "inspired" by him. "As firm believers in the power of love, we celebrate Colton's journey in the LGBTQIA+ community every step of the way," they said.