Fame is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can bring seemingly endless opportunities and financial freedom. On the other hand, your life no longer belongs to you, but to the people who made your name.
The lack of agency over one's existence is something that many celebrities have learned the hard way, especially those in the queer community who have been forced to reveal their sexuality after being forcibly taken out of the closet.
Watch: Fulfilling Moments Queer Women Understand. The post continues below.
The most recent example is Billie Eilish, who on Monday criticized entertainment publication Variety for outing her during a red carpet interview.
“Thank you, Variety, for my award and for making me walk on a red carpet at 11 a.m. instead of talking to me about anything else that matters,” the star wrote on Instagram the next day.
“I like boys and girls, please leave me alone, who cares, literally.”
Unfortunately, Eilish isn't the first person to have experienced this level of interference, as so many celebrities have had to admit their sexuality before they were ready.
It's a breach of privacy exposed on the big stage. These are just a few of the celebrities who, like Eilish, have also been forced to come out.
Joshua Bassett.
Image: Getty.
After admitting he's attracted to Harry Styles, Disney star Joshua Bassett wanted to reveal more details about his sexuality, saying: “He's just cool. He is cool. Who doesn't think Harry Styles is cool? Plus, he's hot.” Then he paused, took a moment and continued, “I think this is my coming out video too.”
After the clip blew up, he released a statement saying he wasn't ready to define his sexuality yet, saying, “It's okay to still be figuring out who you are.”
Ricky Martin.
Image: Getty.
If you were a young adult in the 2000s, you would remember the awkward interview with Barbara Walters in which she questioned Ricky Martin about his sexuality and urged him to put an end to the rumors by saying, “Yes, I'm gay or no, I.” I'm not. He refused to answer and said, “Barbara, for some reason I just don't feel like it.”
Martin made his official commitment years later, but said he felt hurt by the interview. Ten years later, Walters also spoke out and said she regretted her actions.
Neil Patrick Harris.
Image: Instagram @nph.
In 2006, gossip blogger Perez Hilton targeted Neil Patrick Harris to prove the TV star was gay. Hilton even went so far as to ask other tabloids to help him expose Harris' private life. Following the tirade, Harris released an official statement revealing his sexuality.
Rebel Wilson.
Image: Getty.
Rebel Wilson was forced to announce her relationship with fashion and jewelry designer Ramona Agruma after a Sydney Morning Herald journalist urged her to do so. After sharing her relationship status on Instagram, it was revealed that author Andrew Hornery had sent Wilson an email giving her “two days” to come out before the newspaper published the information.
Colton Underwood.
Image: Getty.
Bachelor star Colton Underwood was blackmailed after receiving an email from someone claiming to have nude photos of him at a spa known for its gay audience. He later appeared on national television and also released a Netflix series on the subject.
Raven Symone.
Image: Getty.
Raven Symone faced so many rumors about her sexuality that she finally decided to reach out to Oprah to tell her side of the story. However, before that, when the Supreme Court allowed same-sex marriage in the US, she celebrated by tweeting: “Finally I can get married! Yay, government! So proud of you.”
When asked to elaborate, she replied: “It was my way of saying that I am proud of the country. But I have to say that I have an amazing, happy relationship with my partner. A woman.” She also added, “I don't want to be labeled as 'gay.'” I want to be labeled as “a person who loves people.” I'm tired of being labeled. I'm american. I am not African American; I'm american.”
Tim cook.
Image: Getty.
The outing of queer people doesn't just happen in Hollywood, as even Apple boss Tim Cook was affected by it. In 2014, Cook was outed by CNBC host Simon Hobbs when he asked journalist Jim Stewart whether the tech executive was open about his sexuality at work. Cook later announced that he was “proud to be gay” and that it was one of the “greatest gifts God has given.” [him]”.
Feature image: Getty.
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