‘Empire’ Star Jussie Smollett Addresses His Sexuality on ‘Ellen’: ‘There Has Never Been a Closet’ [Video]

Empire star Jussie Smollett is not coming out of the closet — because he says he’s never been in one!

In the past, he’s dodged questions regarding his personal life. However, in a sit-down with Ellen he opened up about being gay and proud.

“It was very, very important to me that, as my first performance and talk show that it was with you. You’ve been such an inspiration to so many, but also to me,” he told Ellen. “What you’ve done with, in the LGBT community is very much in my opinion kind of like what Michael Jackson did with the black community just that you are who you are. And he was just Michael and you’re just Ellen, so it was really important to me to make sure that it got across that there is no closet. 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.”

The conversation continued:

“I am so proud of you that you say there is no closet there never has been a closet,” Ellen said in response. “You’ve never pretending to be anything that you aren’t.”

“Ever, ever,” Jussie replied. “So lets not read into it the wrong 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. Ya know?”

“My mama knows. My Mama likes me a lot. And yes I take her to the ‘Sound of Music’ sing-along every, single year. So, any questions?,” he continued. “But you know honestly, we’re humans and we love and we do all that good stuff. So I’m honored for this opportunity and I honored to be here with you.”

Beautifully said. Watch Jussie ‘come out’ below.