Sebastian Croft Recounts Painful School Experience After Being Outed as Gay

Sebastian Croft, known for his roles in "Celebrity Traitors" and Netflix's "Heartstopper," has opened up about the profound impact of being outed as gay during his school years. The 24-year-old actor and singer described enduring years of bullying and ostracism at a private boarding school in Oxfordshire, an experience that ultimately led him to quit his education at age 16.

Croft revealed in a recent interview that the outing occurred after a secret relationship with a male classmate. He expressed understanding for the classmate's actions, acknowledging that both were navigating difficult personal circumstances and facing their own pressures related to their sexuality.

"I had a really difficult few years," Croft told The i Paper. "I don't blame the other boy who did it, because he was obviously just also trying to navigate the fact that he was getting chipped for being gay." He characterized the school environment as "a weirdly old-school experience."

Despite finding liberation and a sense of belonging when working as an actor, Croft explained that returning to school was a stark contrast. "I would leave school and be an actor and be doing the thing I loved the most, and be with other like-minded people, and feel so liberated in myself, and then I go back to school and be bullied and ostracised," he stated. This recurring cycle contributed to what he described as a "really lonely and difficult time in my life."

Croft's acting career began on stage as a child, with early television roles including a stint as Young Ned Stark in "Game of Thrones." He gained international recognition for portraying Ben Hope in "Heartstopper," and his other credits include "Horrible Histories: The Movie" and the film "How to Date Billy Walsh."

Alongside his personal revelations, Croft is currently appearing on the BBC series "Celebrity Traitors," which features a cast including Jerry Hall, Maya Jama, and James Blunt. The show's recent episodes have also generated discussion among viewers regarding the strategic gameplay and potential missteps by contestants, particularly in tasks designed to eliminate players.