Clay Aiken recently discussed a challenging period in his life. During an interview on Page Six Radio, the 47-year-old singer shared his experiences after being publicly outed by Rosie O’Donnell in November 2006 on ‘The View’, during a discussion involving Kelly Ripa.
Aiken recounted, ‘I died inside a lot that week.’ He received a wake-up call from his son’s mother, alerting him that Rosie had outed him on the show. The incident occurred shortly after Aiken playfully covered Ripa’s mouth with his hand on ‘Live with Regis and Kelly’. Ripa objected, commenting, ‘I don’t know where that hand’s been, honey.’
O’Donnell defended Aiken on ‘The View’, describing Ripa’s reaction as ‘homophobic’. She stated, ‘From where I sit as a gay person in the world, that’s how it came off to me.’ Aiken, then in Los Angeles, expressed he held no ill will towards O’Donnell. He understood her comments were made in the heat of the moment.
Kelly Ripa defended her response by citing concerns over hygiene during cold and flu season. She insisted her comment wasn’t homophobic.
Aiken mentioned the incident again at the VMA Awards while presenting alongside Tori Spelling, who he described as gracious in helping him manage the situation.
Although O’Donnell unintentionally outed Aiken while speaking on his behalf, Aiken officially confirmed his sexuality in September 2008. He appeared on the cover of People magazine with his newborn son, declaring, ‘Yes, I’m Gay.’ His decision was influenced by his desire to raise his child honestly.
Aiken’s son was born via in vitro fertilization with Jaymes Foster, his close friend and music producer.
Aiken first gained public attention competing on ‘American Idol’ in 2003, where he placed second behind Ruben Studdard. Reflecting on those times, Aiken noted that initially, none anticipated the potential success the show offered.
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