The 'White Collar' star comes out as gay at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards as he thanks longtime partner Simon Halls and their three children when accepting an honor.
- February 14, 2012
AceShowbiz -
Matthew Bomer has officially come out of the closet. The Neal Caffrey of "White Collar" spoke publicly about being gay when accepting the New Generation Arts and Activism Award for his efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards last Saturday, February 11.
At the gala taking place at the Palm Springs Convention Center, the 34-year-old actor thanked his longtime partner, publicist Simon Halls, and their three children. "I'd really especially like to thank my beautiful family: Simon, Kit, Walker, Henry," he said onstage. "Thank you for teaching me what unconditional love is. You will always be my proudest accomplishment."
It was the first time Bomer acknowledged his sexual orientation. The "In Time" actor was asked to address rumors that he is gay in the January 2010 issue of Details magazine, but he responded at the time, "I don't care about that at all. I'm completely happy and fulfilled in my personal life."
"I have a network and a show riding on my shoulders," he went on explaining. "I would say a big difference between my character and me is that I can be too trusting. And I've realized in this business that's not necessarily the smartest thing to be. I definitely have a thing or two to learn from the con artists."
