FOX has not disappointed their viewers with new hit-drama Empire! The show surrounds the life of Lucious Lyon, his family, including ex-wife Cookie Lyon and his three sons, Hakeem, Jamal, and Andre, and their great, music empire they have built. Viewers have fell in love with a few characters, including Jamal Lyon, played by actor Jussie Smollett. Jamal Lyon is Lucious's middle son, with an undeniably, great voice, but his sexual preference is a major conflict between father and son. In real life, Jussie Smollett went on Ellen's to discuss the connection between his character and his personal life.
As Jussie Smollett took
on the role as a gay R&B star, viewers took a great liking to his voice,
which scored him a record deal with Columbia Records, but also started to
question his sexual preference in reality. In a recent interview with
Ellen DeGeneres, Smollett opened up about his personal life and addressed the
rumors surrounding his preference. The 31-year old actor stated:
"There's never been
a closet that I've been in. So that’s why I
choose not to talk ‘bout my personal life,” he continues. “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. And that’s where I’m at.”
The interview follows
after co-star Malik Yoba "outted" Smollett in an interview with Black
Film. He stated the following, which he later went on the record
saying he was misquoted:
"Obviously,
Lee [Daniels, producer] is gay. That was an important storyline for him. I
think it’s important for people to see themselves, even within the black
community. But if you aren’t really, really taking it off of screen and making
it live in the community in a significant way … like I know Jussie, he is gay,
and he’s very committed to issues around the LGBT community. He and I have a
very close relationship.”
Jussie
Smollett is not ashamed of his sexual preference and has silenced all the
questions on Ellen. More power to you!
(Photo:
Twitter)
CONVERSATION