From Fox News · Lori Bashian · · 50s
Clay Aiken Outed on The View
Clay Aiken described a 'catastrophic' week after Rosie O'Donnell outed him on The View in 2006.
In brief
Clay Aiken described a 'catastrophic' week after Rosie O'Donnell outed him on The View in 2006. Clay Aiken said being outed by Rosie O'Donnell on The View in 2006 caused him emotional distress before he came out publicly in 2008. Originally reported by Fox News.
Clay Aiken reflects on 2006
Clay Aiken described feeling 'freaked out' after Rosie O'Donnell outed him on The View in November 2006.
“I died inside a lot that week”
O'Donnell defended Aiken
Rosie O'Donnell called Aiken's comment 'homophobic' while defending him on The View.
“From where I sit as a gay person in the world, I have to tell you, that's how it came off to me”
Ripa defended herself
Kelly Ripa said Aiken's comment was made because he was shaking hands with audience during flu season.
“he's shaking hands with everybody in the audience”
Aiken's 2008 coming out
Aiken publicly confirmed his sexuality in September 2008 with his newborn son on People magazine.
“Yes, I'm Gay”
Aiken's American Idol background
Aiken finished second on American Idol Season 2 in 2003 behind Ruben Studdard.
“I was the runner-up to Ruben Studdard”
What it means
Clay Aiken said being outed by Rosie O'Donnell on The View in 2006 caused him emotional distress before he came out publicly in 2008.
