American Idol's Clay Aiken officially came out of the closet earlier this week after years of speculation.  Nothing was particularly unexpected about this except for the timing.  Aiken timed it so he could have a cover story on People Magazine easily enough, but his coming out is years after the speculation began.  One of the other stated reasons by the Aiken camp is the fact that, now that Aiken is a father (he artificially inseminated his friend), he wanted to be completely open about who he is.  After the news broke, BuddyTV readers had the chance to respond (or, depending on your view, “non-news”).  Below you will find a number of those comments. 

My colleagues had this to say.  The consensus is that we shouldn't particularly care about the news.  They're probably right.  It doesn't take away the fact that some people care. 

TheEditor said:
I don't care, but I mildly respect Aiken because I don't believe he ever denied being gay, he just avoided the question every time he got it. Also, apparently, his reason is because he wants to raise his son without being ashamed of himself, so he won't hide any longer, which is admirable. You go, Clay!

BuddyD said:
This is officially the least shocking news of all time. Next you'll tell me Ricky Martin is gay!


This opinion is echoed often.  It's the media's fault for creating so much certainty and effectively forcing someone out of the closet. 

helenahopkinson2 said:
A persons sexuality is their own business no one elses. It's only because clay is a celebrity that the press just wouldn't let it go. He's finally comfortable within himself to come out. I dont think alot of people will be to surprised thats if the news is legit and not perez hilton pulling a fast one. I still think hes a sweetie and he's going to make a wonderful daddy.


Another popular opinion was that, either way, the news had no bearing.  If you like his music, then you like his music – his sexuality doesn't matter.

ChristineC158 said:
Clay is great! Straight or gay it doesn't make a difference to me..i've liked him from day one and will continue to like him now..i still think that he should have won his season of Idol..Reuben?..Reuben who?..lol


Whenever anyone made the insinuation that Clay Aiken was gay in the past, there were always a ton of fans who denied the possibility, and even got angry when the accusations were leveled.  This reader addressed those people. 

weegieandmshow2 said:
To all the claymates and claydawgs who wrote me hate emails when I wrote a nationally published commentary about Clay, and suggested he was gay ... SUCK IT! Good for Clay for finally coming out.


This reader wishes Clay had come out of the closet earlier. 

RockMusicChick said:
This news is probably the least shocking thing I have heard in yrs. We all knew he wasn't straight. Kudos to Clay for finally being honest w/ everyone. Just wish he would of been honest sooner and confirmed what we all knew was true from day one.


I won't say much about the next comment, except that, to a degree, I do agree. 

Marla1001 said:
I don't care who's gay and who's not. It means nothing. The thing I find DISTURBING is the whole artificial insemination baby thing... THAT is just...unnatural.


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of People)