WATCH Ellen DeGeneres Praise Empire’s Jussie Smollett For Coming Out As Gay

Ellen DeGeneres is offering her support to Empire star Jussie Smollett after the actor confirmed that he is gay during an interview backstage at The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

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In the chat with DeGeneres, Smollett said that he previously chose not to discuss his sexuality since he felt no need to share the details of his personal life. "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 choose not to talk about my personal life,” Smollett said.  “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. ... So, let's not read into it in the wrong way when I say that I don't talk about my personal life, I'm saying that. But it is in no way to hide or deny who God made me.”

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Many have noted that Smollett at no time used the word “gay” while making his statement to DeGeneres. But while talking with photogs in Los Angeles, California, on Monday, DeGeneres said that was his decision to make. “I guess he didn’t want to say the words. But I think he said it in his own way,” DeGeneres said with a smile. 

Watch the video above to see Ellen discuss Jussie coming out on her show!

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