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

Singer and former American Idol star Clay Aiken has reflected on a 2006 incident where he felt effectively outed on national television. Speaking on Page Six Radio, Aiken described the period following the event as “the most catastrophic week” of his life, stating that he “died inside” during that time.

The controversy began after Aiken guest-hosted Live With Regis and Kelly, where a joke involving Kelly Ripa became a national talking point. Shortly after, Rosie O’Donnell discussed the exchange on The View, characterizing Ripa’s comments as homophobic. Aiken noted that while some viewed O’Donnell’s intervention as defensive, he perceived it as being outed, saying, “You say defended, I say outed.”

Aiken, who did not publicly identify as gay until a 2008 cover story in People magazine, recalled being woken up by a friend to learn about the broadcast. He emphasized the loss of control over his personal information during the incident.