Supermodel and reality-TV star Kendall Jenner chose to directly address a topic that has followed her for years. Speaking on an episode of Owen Thiele’s podcast In My Dreams last January 9, the Kardashians star opened for the first time about persistent online speculation claiming that she is a closeted lesbian.
As Kendall shared, she has been aware of how deeply the discussion has spread across social media.
“Then there's the whole side of the internet that thinks I'm a lesbian,” she said, before explaining what troubles her most about the rumors. Rather than being framed with acceptance or understanding, Kendall noted how harsh the commentary has been.
“You want to know what really bothers me? How mean people are about it. It's not with, like, a welcoming arm of like, ‘Hey, if you were, yes, come join.’ It's not kind. It's very mean. It's very like, ‘What the f**k are you doing?’”
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The supermodel went on to acknowledge that conversations about coming out are deeply personal and complex. While emphasizing that she understands how difficult it can be for many people, Kendall explained why she believes she would have already spoken up if the rumors were true.
“I understand that coming out is not an easy thing for anybody, if not most people,” she said. “And I'm not saying that's an easy thing, but knowing, and I can speak for myself here, and knowing myself, I think at this point in my life, I'd be out if I was.”
She reiterated this point by reflecting on how she chooses to live her life.
“I'm not saying it's an easy thing,” she added. “I'm just saying that knowing me and knowing how I would want to live my life, I would be. I'd have no problem being that.”
Being one of the most prominent reality TV stars worldwide, fans suggest that she might be hiding her sexuality for business reasons. She pushed back against the idea that coming out would negatively affect the Kardashian-Jenner brand.
“I think that there's this whole narrative that I'm hiding this thing,” she said.
“I've seen really f**ked up things that are like, ‘It's bad for business,’ and I'm like, ‘What? How?’ I don't understand it,” she emphasized.
Wrapping up her thoughts, Kendall offered a clear statement about where she stands today, while also leaving room for life’s uncertainties.
“All's to say, as of today, I am not,” she clarified.
“I don't think I will be, but I'm not closing doors to experiences in life,” Kendall quipped.
For the longest time, Kendall has been romantically involved with fellow celebrities like Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, and Devin Booker. Last December, she was spotted shopping and grabbing a coffee with perfumer Ben Gorham. Prior to this, the duo has been seen together on casual occasions last year, including having lunch together at a cafe and browsing books at a local book shop.
Following these, fans are speculating that the supermodel and the perfumer might be dating, but Kendall has yet to confirm her current relationship status.