149 articles today

Clay Aiken Says He Lost “50 Percent” of His Fans After Coming Out as Gay in 2008

The Hollywood Reporter
Story by Kimberly Nordyke
from The Hollywood Reporter
Image from The Hollywood Reporter
scrn logline
American Idol alum Clay Aiken opens up about the massive career setback he faced after coming out as gay in 2008, losing half his fanbase.
beat sheet
  • Aiken's admission that his Broadway show 'Spamalot' went from selling out to dropping ticket sales after his People magazine cover story revealing his sexuality, forcing the show to close just months later.
  • Despite the backlash, Aiken stands by his decision to come out, saying he couldn't raise his son to 'lie or hide things', adding that while times have changed, his experience was the 'opposite' of the career boosts many LGBTQ+ stars now receive after coming out.
call sheet
Clay Aiken, American Idol, Spamalot, Spamalot
Read the source