US star Clay Aiken comes out
A popular American singer has appeared on the cover of People magazine with his baby son and confirmed he is gay.
Clay Aiken was runner up in the 2003 American Idol contest.
He was marketed through his boyish looks and Christian beliefs which have helped him sell millions of records.
He recently starred in the Broadway run of Spamalot.
The baby’s mother is Aiken’s friend and record producer Jaymes Foster. Parker Foster Aiken was born last month.
“I cannot raise a child to lie or hide things,” Mr Aiken, 29, told People magazine.
Two years ago porn actor John Paulus claimed to have had a one night stand with the star.
A group representing LGBT-headed families welcomed his public announcement.
Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Family Equality Council, said:
“The announcement that Clay Aiken is gay reinforces a simple reality: the American public can no longer say it does not know a gay or lesbian parent.
“Clay Aiken’s desire to raise a child in an open and honest manner will make his life, and his son’s, all the
better.”
