Neil Patrick Harris Recounts Pressure to Come Out After Becoming a Perez Hilton ‘Target’
“It became, 'I'm going have to say something. I got to get ahead of the story,'” the actor says The post Neil Patrick Harris Recounts Pressure to Come Out After Becoming a Perez Hilton ‘Target’ appeared first on TheWrap .
Neil Patrick Harris, in a recent podcast interview, discussed the pressure he faced to reveal his sexuality after becoming a target of gossip bloggers, notably Perez Hilton. Harris had been dating David Burtka, his future husband, before landing the role in the popular TV show "How I Met Your Mother." Despite the couple being open about their relationship, Harris recounted fears of becoming the next subject of online gossip.
He revealed that he had to "get ahead of the story" due to the potential backlash and the fear that Burtka might be left "skulking behind." In response to the speculation, Harris chose to come out as gay in 2006, hoping to preempt any negative attention. Though his comments did not directly mention Hilton, the blogger's campaign to "out" Harris had previously targeted the actor.
After coming out, Hilton penned a letter of apology, expressing that he deeply regretted his actions. In July, Hilton appeared on a podcast and admitted to his wrongdoings, expressing remorse for his cruel and unethical behavior. Hilton has since attempted to make amends, even contacting Harris and other celebrities he had targeted.
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