“the-bachelor” target=”_blank”>Bachelor< sat down with “Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts in an interview that aired Wednesday.
“Obviously this year’s been a lot for a lot of people, and it’s probably made a lot of people look themselves in the mirror and figure out who they are or what they’ve been running from or putting off in their lives. And for me, I’ve ran from myself for a long time, I’ve hated myself for a long time, and I’m gay,” Underwood announced.
The TV star said it was his down time spent during the infectious-disease that helped him process his truth.
‘BACHELOR’ STAR COLTON UNDERWOOD SAYS CASSIE RANDOLPH ENDED HER RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST HIM
“I came to terms with that earlier this year and have been processing it. The next step in all of this was sort of letting people know. I’m still nervous, but it’s been a journey for sure,” he said.
Roberts noted that he appeared to be happy despite his announcement being an “emotional” one.
“I’m emotional but I’m emotional in such a good, happy, positive way. I’m like the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been in my life and that means the world to me,” Underwood shared.
Underwood, who previously dated celebrity-news” target=”_blank”>Cassie Randolph<
Executive producers of “The Bachelor” reacted to Underwood’s announcement in a statement on Wednesday.
“We are so inspired by Colton Underwood’s courage to embrace and pursue his authentic self. As firm believers in the power of love, we celebrate Colton’s journey in the LGBTQIA+ community every step of the way,” they said.
Underwood is also reportedly working with Netflix on a docuseries about his coming out journey. A rep for the streaming service would not comment on the alleged deal.
‘BACHELOR’ STAR COLTON UNDERWOOD RECALLS HIS CORONAVIRUS BATTLE: ‘I JUST THOUGHT THAT I HAD THE FLU’
Underwood’s announcement comes two years after he selected Randolph to hand his final rose to at the end of his season of “The Bachelor” in 2019. However, the pair never proceeded with an engagement and instead opted to continue dating following the season’s end. They reportedly split in mid-April 2020.
Last fall, Randolph filed a temporary restraining order against Underwood after he allegedly exhibited some unsettling behavior that included placing a tracking device on her car.
Colton Underwood is reportedly working on a docuseries with Netflix.
(ABC/Image Group LA)
However, Underwood told Fox News in November that the situation has been resolved amicably between them.
“Today Cassie asked the court to dismiss the temporary restraining order against me. The two of us were able to reach a private agreement to address any of Cassie’s concerns,” he said in a statement. “I do not believe Cassie did anything wrong in filing for the restraining orders and also believe she acted in good faith. I appreciate everyone’s respect for privacy regarding this matter.”
Underwood also was briefly linked to Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman.
In March 2020, he released a memoir titled “The First Time,” which details his journey on “The Bachelor,” as well as enduring both love and heartache.
