Clay Aiken reflects on being outed by Rosie O’Donnell in 2006

Singer Clay Aiken has reflected on a chaotic period in 2006 when he was outed on national television. During an appearance on ‘Page Six Radio’, Aiken recounted how a guest hosting stint on ‘Live with Regis and Kelly’ led to a media firestorm.

The incident began when Aiken playfully placed his hand over co-host Kelly Ripa’s mouth, prompting Ripa to remark, ‘I don’t know where that hand’s been, honey.’ The exchange led to a heated discussion on ‘The View’, where Rosie O’Donnell defended Aiken by accusing Ripa’s comment of being homophobic.

Aiken described the experience as being ‘freaked out’ and stated he ‘died inside’ after being woken up to the news that O’Donnell had revealed his sexuality before he was ready to make a public statement. While describing the week as catastrophic, Aiken noted he holds no ill will toward O’Donnell, suggesting her comments were made in the heat of the moment with good intentions.