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Joshua Bassett, who starred in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series answered a fan question about pop star Harry Styles during an appearance on Clevver News—an entertainment news and pop culture YouTube channel.
When asked about what he admires most about the "Watermelon Sugar" singer, the 20-year-old actor had nothing to say but high praises leading many to believe Bassett had inadvertently come out of the closet.
You can watch the Clevver News clip here:
"He is a very classy man," Bassett began.
"He's also very well-rounded and kinda does it all—acting, singing, fashion. I think he's just a nice guy, doesn't say too much, when he talks, it matters. He's just cool—who doesn't think Harry Styles is cool?"
He continued gushing:
"Also, he's hot, you know? He's very charming, too. Lots of things."
After catching himself getting caught up in the moment, he added:
"This is also my coming out video, I guess."
And the internet was here for his coming-out party.
Assuming he did come out as gay in the clip, many praised the casual manner in which he declared himself a member of the LGBTQ+ community without much fanfare.
If this is indeed a ~coming out~ I’m so glad to see the younger generation being very 🤷🏽♂️ about sexuality bc I di… https://t.co/6PqCmmLeSh— not again ben (@not again ben) 1620663725.0
I like that he just didn’t care and didn’t make a huge deal. https://t.co/abNt9SOYDB— Venus Flytrap 🧜🏼♀️ 🎃 (@Venus Flytrap 🧜🏼♀️ 🎃) 1620663521.0
coming out doesn’t always have to be this big thing. me and my friends all are unlabeled but we all told eachother… https://t.co/yuJ9AadyME— nat (@nat) 1620665208.0
A day after his verbal adoration for Styles, Bassett addressed the speculation around his sexuality with an Instagram video in which he sang an acoustic song.
In the caption of the post, he wrote:
"My entire life people have told me my sexuality. people have shamed me for things they know nothing about. I want to say thank you to those of you who stand for love and acceptance."
"Toxicity, hatred, and negativity say less about the subject, but say far more about those who spew it. It's 2021. we are the generation of love & growth, it's time we start acting like it. whether you love me, hate me, or damn me to hell, i love you all the same."
He encouraged followers to "love who you love shamelessly" and assured them " it's ok to still be figuring out who you are."
"Life's too short to let ignorance and hatred win. I choose love."
Many social media users applauded his candidness in addressing his sexuality.
They stressed coming out is a personal process no one is obligated to fully explain or justify to those demanding clarification.
@PopCrave He is right it’s ok if your still figuring out who you are you should come out own your own terms you sho… https://t.co/Dd2zyWOKw3— AJ Hoyles ⓭ (@AJ Hoyles ⓭) 1620761013.0
whenever you are ready no pressure. come out whenever you want ❤🧡💛💚💙💜🖤 https://t.co/ToJvGkjcG9— ~🌹✨liking or commenting no ones tweets🚫🚫🚫🚫 (@~🌹✨liking or commenting no ones tweets🚫🚫🚫🚫) 1620762928.0
i don't even know or like him but it's irritating to see so many people question his way of coming out-by that harr… https://t.co/An1HMNOyDF— michelle (@michelle) 1620763148.0
@PopCrave beautiful message— ander (@ander) 1620760872.0
@PopCrave This kinda makes me sad tho... this really wasn't needed. Why do people care about someone's sexuality— Justin 🌹 (@Justin 🌹) 1620767676.0
@PopCrave proud of him— Big Daddy Yogurt (@Big Daddy Yogurt) 1620762111.0
We choose love as well, Josh.