News anchor leaves viewers ‘in tears’ after coming out live on-air-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

A news anchor in the US has received a wave of support after coming out as gay live on-air to his viewers.

While presenting the morning news programme Sunrise on the Minneapolis-based station Kare 11, James Hackett revealed to his audience that he had some news to share.

After revealing a photoshoot that he’d done for the cover of Lavender magazine, an LGBT+ publication, the 36-year-old presenter explained that what he had to say wouldn’t come as a ‘huge surprise’ to the people in his life who he’s close to.

‘For people that really know me – my friends, my coworkers, some members of my family – this isn’t some huge surprise. I’ve been living in a glass closet for the most part,’ he said.

‘But now I wanted to let you out there, the viewers out there that wake up with me every morning to know a little bit more about me. Coming out to new people is never easy for me, I am so nervous right now, I’m not going to lie. This is no doubt the most people I’ve ever come out to at once.’

Jason outlined how on Sunrise, he and his coworkers – including Alicia Lewis, John Zeigler and CeCe Gaines – strive for ‘authenticity’, which is why he felt he couldn’t ‘preach that’ message ‘without being my authentic self’.

The 36-year-old thanked everyone who has ‘supported him along this journey) (Picture: Instagram/@jasonhackettnews)

The presenter emphasised how important it was to be his ‘authentic self’ (Picture: Instagram/@jasonhackettnews)

‘So I want to say a big thank you to Kare 11 for allowing me the space, more than any other station I’ve worked at in the past 13 years, to just be me,’ he stated.

‘I’m also thankful for my amazing friends, my partner, my family and everyone who has supported me along this journey.

‘And for anyone that is watching this now who is struggling to find acceptance or struggling with their family or friends, take it from me, a gay, Black, son of immigrants. The road may not be easy – I won’t lie to you and say that it is. But don’t worry, keep going, you’re going to make it.’

After Jason gave his speech to the camera, his colleagues who were sitting behind the desk with him looked incredibly moved, as they expressed their support for him.

Jason joined Kare 11’s Sunrise in February last year (Picture: Instagram/@jasonhackettnews)

The anchor also shared the video on Instagram, where he received a rush of warm messages from his followers.

‘This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing having the courage to be you. It matters,’ a follower called Jason commented.

‘I watched this morning, teared up. Congratulations and happy birthday to my fellow Taurus & Florida kid!!’ Natacha stated.

Emily also wrote: ‘Well I did not expect to open up IG this morning and start sobbing immediately! So beautiful and courageous! Thank you for sharing your story!’

Kelsey added: ‘Hold on I need to go fix my mascara. So beautifully said. Love you Jason. Thank you for sharing your story. 💙.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More