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Bachelor Colton Underwood’s Christian family supports him ‘100%’ after gay reveal as grandpa claims ‘we’re all so proud’
THE Bachelor star Colton Underwood’s Christian family supports him ‘100 percent’ after he came out as gay, as his grandfather said “we’re all so proud.”
Colton, 29, told Robin Roberts on Good Morning America on Wednesday that he “came to terms” with his sexuality earlier this year and has been “processing the next step.”
Colton Underwood came out as gay on Wednesday[/caption]
The Bachelor’s Christian family supports him “100%”[/caption]
The Bachelor star struggled with his sexuality because of his Christian upbringing, as he said he would “pray the gay away.”
In an exclusive interview with Colton’s family members, they have shared their support of the former football player.
Colton’s grandfather Benjamin told The Sun: “We’re all proud of him and support everything he’s been through. I liked the interview. He knows we support him. He’s with us all the time.”
His grandmother Joyce continued: “We all love Colton and we are behind him 100 percent.”
Colton grew up in a religious household and said he would “pray the gay away”[/caption]
Family member Sherri added: “I’m very excited and proud of him.”
Colton, who famously dated gymnast Aly Raisman, told Robin on Wednesday’s Good Morning America: “I came to terms with that earlier this year and have been processing it, the next step, letting people know… I’m still nervous. It’s been a journey for sure.”
He said of having suicidal thoughts: “I got into a place, for me in my personal life, that was dark and I can list a bunch of different things and they would be excuses.
“I would have rather died than say I’m gay and that was my wake-up call.”
Colton said he experienced suicidal thoughts[/caption]
The former football player continued: “Even just suicidal thoughts…driving my car close to a cliff, if this goes over the cliff, it’s not that big of a deal…I don’t feel that anymore.”
Colton told Robin that he first discovered he was gay when he was just 6 years old but didn’t fully confirm it until high school.
Growing up in a religious household, he believed being gay was wrong and would try to “pray the gay away.”
Also in the interview, Colton addressed his relationship with Cassie, who he chose on The Bachelor, and said: “I would like to say sorry for how things ended, I messed up I made a lot of bad choices.
Colton knew he was gay in high school[/caption]
He apologized to his ex-girlfriend Cassie[/caption]
“I loved everything about her, and it’s hard for me to articulate my emotions and going through that relationship with her because I obviously had an internal fight going on.
“I’m sorry for any pain and emotional stress I caused, I wish it wouldn’t have happened the way it did. I wish I would have been courageous enough to fix myself before I broke anyone else.”
Colton’s former Bachelor contestants are rallying around the star by praising him for coming out.
A rep for Tayshia Adams, who made the final four and was later The Bachelorette, told The Sun: “Tayshia is very happy that Colton is able to now live his life openly and without fear of sharing who he is.”
Colton’s ex Tayshia Adams is ‘very happy’ for Colton[/caption]
Ex Elyse Dehlbom ‘applauded’ him[/caption]
Elyse Dehlbom, who was on The Bachelor up until week five, “applauded” Colton for “living his authentic self.”
She added: “I hope this allows for him to be a healthier happier individual.”
Kirpa Sudick, who was eliminated during week seven, exclusively told The Sun: “I saw the news about Colton and I’m happy he’s able to live authentically now and not have to hide that part of himself. Wishing him all the best!”
Bachelor Nation has shared their support for Colton[/caption]
Angelique Sherman, who was eliminated during the second week of filming, told The Sun: “I wish Colton nothing but the best and I’m so happy for him figuring out his truth.
“He has my support just like many others in the gay community.”
Other Bachelor nation members have turned to social media to share their support.
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Former host Chris Harrison captioned an Instagram photo of the two: “Very proud of you today @coltonunderwood.
Fans are also calling for a re-do of Colton’s season by having the first gay bachelor.
Before the interview, Colton was spotted walking through the West Village in New York City with Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy and his dad Scott.
Fans are calling for Colton to have a re-do of his season[/caption]
