Neil Patrick Harris Reveals He Came Out To Avoid Being A “Target”
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Neil Patrick Harris has revealed his decision to come out back in 2006 was motivated largely by fear. In an interview on the “Great Company with Jamie Laing” podcast, the Emmy-winning “How I Met Your Mother” star and former Australia’s Got Talent judge confessed he was afraid he would be outed by the gossip bloggers of the early 2000s, many of whom were fixated on supposedly closeted celebrities.
“That was at a time when there were bloggers on the internet that you would go to to, like, read the salacious, you know, ‘try to guess who this actor is that’s gay and in the closet’ kind of comment. And so there was a fear that I would be, like, the next target on that,” Harris said.
Harris was already dating his now husband, David Burtka, before auditioning for “How I Met Your Mother”, and the show’s cast were aware of his relationship. However, Harris did not make his sexuality public until 2006, when he provided an official statement to People magazine.
Neil Patrick Harris’ Official Coming Out Statement
“The public eye has always been kind to me, and until recently I have been able to live a pretty normal life,” Harris said. “Now it seems there is speculation and interest in my private life and relationships.
“So, rather than ignore those who choose to publish their opinions without actually talking to me, I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest and feel most fortunate to be working with wonderful people in the business I love.”
Harris revealed that he decided to make the statement after an unnamed individual inquired about his sexuality to his publicist. This spurred him to “get ahead of the story”. While Harris initially feared his coming out statement would be met with backlash, he was surprised when the announcement was met with indifference.
“I was a little bit offended that more people weren’t surprised,” Harris quipped to interviewer Jamie Laing.
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