Empire Star Jussie Smollett: ‘There’s Never Been a Closet That I’ve Been In’

By Jamilah King Mar 09, 2015

Actor and singer Jussie Smollett plays one of the most compelling characters on television. He stars as Jamal Lyon, the immensely talented gay son of hip-hop mogul Lucious Lyon. But Smollett, who has signed a real-life artist deal with Columbia Records, proves that art can sometimes imitate life. 

During a recent appearance on "Ellen," Smollett put to rest rumors about his sexuality and came out publicly. "There’s never been a closet that I’ve been in," he told Ellen DeGeneres backstage, according to Entertainment Tonight Online

"So that’s why I choose not to talk about my personal life," he continued. "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."

Read more.