Comedian Jerrod Carmichael Comes Out as Gay: 'I Thought I'd Rather Die Than Confront the Truth'
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Ahead of his 'Saturday Night Live' debut on April 2, the 'Carmichael Show' co-creator and star opens up about his sexuality in his new HBO special 'Rothaniel'.

AceShowbiz - Jerrod Carmichael is making use of his comedy special to open up about his sexuality. Ahead of his "Saturday Night Live" debut, the comedian comes out as gay in his new HBO special "Rothaniel", which premieres on Friday, April 1.

In the special which was taped in February at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, Jerrod addresses his father's infidelity before revealing his own "secret." Once the facts about his father were revealed, he says he felt burdened.

"After that was out in the open, I was left alone feeling like a liar, because I had a secret," the 34-year-old comic says. "One that I kept from my father, my mother, my family, my friends, and you. Professionally, personally. And the secret is that I'm gay."

After a long silence, the crowd at the club applauded him. "I'm accepting the love, I really appreciate the love. My ego wants to rebel against it," Jerrod further explains what held him back from sharing with the world about his sexuality before.

"The Carmichael Show" co-creator adds, "I rebelled against it my whole life. I thought I'd never, ever come out. At many points I thought I'd rather die than confront the truth of that, to actually say it to people. Because I know it changes some people's perceptions of me. I can't control that."

Prior to his confession in the special directed by Bo Burnham, Jerrod talked about his sexual experiences with men in his 2019 HBO special "Home Video". During a conversation with his mother, he said, "I've hooked up with dudes before."

In "Rothaniel", however, Jerrod admits his relationship with his mother has been more fraught since he came out to her, but he feels relieved. "As much as she believes in God, I believe in personal growth and feeling free," he says. "And I do feel freer."

Following his coming out moment, Jerrod has received support from fellow celebrities and his fans on social media. One of them was "Orange Is the New Black" star Danielle Brooks, who tweeted, "Shout out to this beautiful black man for unapologetically living in his truth! Much love to you. #jerrodcarmichael"

Jerrod will be hosting the April 2 episode of "Saturday Night Live" on NBC, with Gunna as the musical guest.

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