In a powerful display of authenticity and resilience, Grammy-nominated singer Khalid took to social media platform X on Friday to address his sexuality after an apparent outing attempt, declaring, “I am not ashamed of my sexuality!”
The 26-year-old superstar, known for multiple diamond-certified records and chart-topping hits like “Location” and “Young Dumb & Broke,” faced the situation head-on after a series of posts by Hugo Almonte, a lesser-known artist, attempted to expose details about Khalid’s private life.
“🏳️🌈!!! There you all go. Next topic, please, lol,” wrote the “American Teen” singer, following up with a clear confirmation: “I am [gay]! And that’s okay.” The artist’s response showed remarkable grace under pressure, maintaining his characteristic positivity while addressing the unexpected revelation.
The situation unfolded when Almonte, who has fewer than 750 monthly listeners on streaming platforms, shared a photo of himself with Khalid and made several allegations about their past relationship. The posts included claims about drug use and alleged attempts to silence him, though these remain unverified.
In response to the incident, Khalid maintained his composure, writing, “I got out, and the world continues to turn. Let’s get this straight (lmao): I am not ashamed of my sexuality! In reality, it isn’t nobody’s business! But I am okay with me.”
The multi-platinum artist’s career has been marked by consistent support for LGBTQ+ causes. His contribution to the “Love, Simon” soundtrack with the song “Love Lies,” featuring Normani, and his 2022 release “Satellite,” which fans have dubbed an “LGBTQ anthem,” now takes on new meaning in light of his announcement.
The music community rallied behind Khalid, with prominent gay artists and producers like MNEK and Amorphous defending him. Amorphous particularly criticized Almonte’s actions, highlighting the stark contrast between their careers.
Since his 2016 debut, Khalid has established himself as a significant force in the music industry. His impact has been influential in Australia, where over 20 singles and collaborations have achieved platinum status. His collaborations with Billie Eilish (“Lovely”) and Benny Blanco (“Eastside”) have each been certified 11 times platinum in Australia, with sales exceeding 750,000 copies each.
When faced with comments about “hiding” his sexuality, Khalid responded firmly: “I wasn’t hiding anything! It’s just not any of your business.” This sentiment resonated with fans and fellow artists who emphasized allowing individuals to come out on their terms.
While Almonte later issued a statement to Rolling Stone claiming he intended to “share how he tried to use his power to silence me because I simply ended our relationship,” the music community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive of Khalid’s right to privacy and personal agency in such matters.
The incident has sparked meaningful conversations about privacy, respect, and the ethics of outing someone without their consent. Despite the circumstances, Khalid’s handling of the situation has demonstrated strength and authenticity. These characteristics have defined his artistic journey since winning Best New Artist at the 2017 Video Music Awards.
As the artist continues to promote his third studio album, “Sincere,” released in August, this moment serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges public figures face in maintaining privacy while living authentically. Khalid’s response shows that sometimes the most powerful statement is simply being comfortable with oneself, as he concluded: “But I am okay with me.”