Christian Wilkins, the son of Today Show entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, has opened up about the moment he came out as gay to his famous father.
Speaking on Phoebe Burgess’ podcast Under the Gloss, the model and former Dancing With The Stars contestant reflected on a time that a friend told him that Richard was expecting him to formally “come out” – much to Christian’s dismay.
“The next Monday I went into dad’s office and I was almost about to cry and I was like, ‘I just heard that you want me to say something and I think it’s unfair that you do,'” Christian said.
“He turned to me and was like, ‘Darling, if what you’re saying is what I think you’re saying, if you feel the need to say something, say it, but you don’t need to say anything for me.’
“And I think that that was so amazing to kind of hear because it never felt like something I wanted or needed to say and I loved that.”
He added that he was relieved that “there was no need to prove myself to be accepted… I just was accepted for who I was.”
Richard Wilkins, who has five children including Christian, has long been his son’s biggest supporter.
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He even slammed a social media troll who suggested that Christian was a “disappointment” due to his penchant for flamboyant fashion.
“To anyone who dares to suggest that I am in any way ‘ashamed’ of my son Christian.. for whatever reason… You are wrong!” Richard wrote.
“I could not be more proud! He is an exceptional human being who will leave his stamp on the world long after his detractors have disappeared. I love you unconditionally.”
Following Christian’s stunning white backless gown at this year’s Logie Awards, Richard praised his son’s “bravery”
“I admire his bravery. He has great style. He is fashion-forward. I am boring in my black suit, black shoes and a bow tie. I’m not really shaking things up, am I?” he said at the time.
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