Darren Young, who became the first WWE star to publicly announce that he’s gay, said that he decided to make the big announcement because he’s in love with his boyfriend of two years.
Young, 33, surprised a TMZ cameraman who had only asked if he ever thought that an openly gay man could be a wrestling star. “Absolutely. Look at me. I'm a WWE superstar and to be honest with you, I'll tell you right now, I'm gay. And I'm happy. I'm very happy,” Young, whose real name is Fred Rosser replied.
TMZ reported today that Young says he decided to announce his sexuality because he’s “deeply in love” with a man named Nick, who he has been dating for two years. He also shared a picture of himself with Nick with the site.
According to Newsday, Young also appeared on the Today Show to speak with Matt Lauer and also said “I’m in love.”
Lauer noted that Young looked calm in the TMZ video at LAX, as if he was looking for the right time to come out. Young agreed, noting that that it was “the right place at the right time” to come out. “I’ve been suppressing these feelings for so long in my life,” he said, adding that he turns 30 soon.
He did admit that he was “terrified” by how it could affect his career, but then WWE Chairman Vince McMahon spoke with him and said he supported the decision.
“WWE is proud of Darren Young for being open about his sexuality, and we will continue to support him as a WWE Superstar,” WWE said in a statement. “Today, in fact, Darren will be participating in one of our Be A Star anti-bullying rallies in Los Angeles to teach children how to create positive environments for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation.”
You can watch Young’s Today interview below:
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image: Wikimedia Commons
