Clay Aiken Reflects on Rosie O'Donnell Outing Him on 'The View'
The singer described the 2006 incident as a moment he 'died inside.'
Clay Aiken is recalling the profound personal impact of being publicly outed by Rosie O'Donnell on "The View" in 2006. Aiken described the experience as a moment when he "died inside a lot that week."
The incident occurred during an on-air exchange between O'Donnell and Kelly Ripa. Ripa had expressed discomfort after Aiken playfully placed his hand over her mouth while co-hosting "Live with Regis and Kelly." Ripa's remark, "I don’t know where that hand’s been, honey," prompted O'Donnell to call the comment "homophobic" while defending Aiken on "The View." O'Donnell, identifying as a gay person, stated that Ripa's comment came across that way.
Aiken recounted waking up to news that O'Donnell had outed him, saying he was "freaked out." He noted that while he holds no ill feelings towards O'Donnell, believing she meant well, her words were perhaps spoken impulsively during a heated moment. Ripa, in defense, had stated her comment was related to Aiken shaking hands with the audience during cold and flu season and found the implication of homophobia outrageous.
Aiken later referenced the awkward on-air exchange when presenting at the VMA Awards with Tori Spelling, calling her "very gracious" for helping to diffuse the situation.
Although O'Donnell outed him in 2006, Aiken did not publicly confirm his sexuality until September 2008. He chose to come out on the cover of People magazine with his newborn son, stating, "Yes, I'm Gay." He explained at the time that his decision was rooted in his commitment to raising his child without the need for lying or hiding things.
Aiken's son was born via in vitro fertilization with his friend and music producer Jaymes Foster. Aiken first gained national attention in 2003 as the runner-up on the second season of "American Idol."