Jerrod Carmichael Comes Out As Gay In New HBO Special, 'Rothaniel'

More celebrities than ever before are openly identifying as LGBTQ+ people and flying the rainbow flag higher. T.J. Osborne, Alexandra Shipp, Kaylee Bryant, Emma Corrin, Kal Penn, Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson, David Archuleta, and Larry Saperstein were among the stars who came out in 2021, breaking their earlier silence regarding their sexuality.

Comedian Jerrod Carmichael has now joined the ranks of celebrities who have stepped out of the closet to help others accept their true selves and identities without fear of being stigmatized by the public and friends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7nmHDJN_8k

As per Variety, in his HBO special "Rothaniel," which premiered last Friday, Carmichael officially acknowledged his sexuality for the first time in public. The "SNL" star discussed an experience of finding that his father had been cheating on his mother for years and how the hidden lifestyle made him feel about his previously closeted sexuality.

"After that was out in the open, I was left alone feeling like a liar, because I had a secret," he said, referencing his father's promiscuous habits. "One that I kept from my father, my mother, my family, my friends, and you. Professionally, personally. And the secret is that I'm gay."

After divulging his sexuality to the crowd, the comedian received a loud applause that offered him great comfort. "I'm accepting the Love, I really appreciate the Love. My ego wants to rebel against it," he said.

"I rebelled against it my whole life. I thought I'd never, ever come out. At many points I thought I'd rather die than confront the truth of that, to actually say it to people. Because I know it changes some people's perceptions of me. I can't control that."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFmmsYQT7mA

The comedian had earlier given hints about his sexuality in a different documentary, "Home Video," which premiered back in 2019. At the time, Carmichael revealed a discussion he had with his mother about his sexual experiences with men, which marked the first time he admitted to her details about his sexuality.

Since then, much has changed in their relationship, with Carmichael confirming in his recent comedy work that his grand reveal had tapered off the bond they shared. However, the comedian has no qualms about this, as revealing his sexuality gave him a feeling of liberation.

"As much as she believes in God, I believe in personal growth and feeling free," he said in the special. "And I do feel freer."

"Rothaniel," by Carmichael, combined recollections from the comedian's family background with his own coming-out narrative. It also highlighted the pressure he felt in the early days of keeping his sexuality hidden and how his recent openness has impacted his relationships with friends and family.

"Rothaniel" serves as Carmichael's third HBO stand-up comedy special, previously releasing "8" in 2017 and "Love at the store" in 2014. The new project, which was recorded in February at New York City's Blue Note Jazz Club and filmed by the comedian's friend and frequent collaborator Bo Burnham, pushed the boundaries of comedy even further for the live audience and prospective viewers.

Given the current look of things, it would not be a surprise if the show's ratings surpass Carmichaels' previous HBO projects.

Carmichael took up hosting responsibilities at Saturday Night Live only hours after the premiere of "Rothaniel," where he tackled various issues, including the recent altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars 2022.

The comedian devoted a significant portion of his speech to discussing the event. He insisted that he would not delve too deep into it, purposefully leaving Smith, Chris Rock, and Jada Pinkett Smith's names out of the speech.

Carmichael said he had intended to remain silent about the incident until series creator Lorne Michaels invited him to offer his thoughts, putting him in a difficult position. Despite not supporting any of the incident's participants, the comedian expressed his displeasure with the endless conversations around the topic, which transpired almost a week ago.