Colton Underwood Says Fans and Family Support After Coming Out as Gay 'Meant the World to Me'

Colton Underwoodis grateful for the outpouring of support he received aftercoming out as gay on Wednesday.

In an emotional sit-down interview withGood Morning America’s Robin Roberts, the former Bachelor revealed publicly that he is gay, explaining that he came to terms with his sexuality while reflecting on himself over the past year. Now, Underwood says he’s the “happiest and healthiest” he has ever been.

“I’ve ran from myself for a long time. I’ve hated myself for a long time, and I’m gay. And I came to terms with that earlier this year and have been processing it,” the reality star said. “The next step in all of this was letting people know. I’m still nervous. It’s been a journey, for sure. I’m emotional, but in such a good, happy, positive way.”

Underwood toldGMAin a statement Thursday, “The support and messages from everyone in my life (my old teammates, my friends, family, coaches and even my pastor) have meant the world to me.”

The morning show alsoaired a new clipfrom the exclusive interview, in which Underwood recalls trying to find “any label besides ‘gay’ " while growing up.

“I have the most loving and supportive friends and family,” he said, “but I also felt like I had a lot of pressure on me, growing up in the church and also in sports as an athlete, I was always chasing after a label. Because I wanted any label besides ‘gay.’ "

Colton Underwood.Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Will you accept this rose? Sign up forPEOPLE’s free weekly Bachelor Nation newsletterto get the latest news onThe Bachelor, The Bacheloretteand everything in between.

Countlessmembers ofBachelorNation spoke out in supportof Underwood after the interview Wednesday, includingHannah Godwin, the runner-up on Underwood’s season, who told PEOPLE that she supports him and wishes him “the very best.”

“I support Colton for having the courage to finally be able to live his life authentically,” she said. “Nobody should have to hide who they really are. I’ll always wish Colton the very best and hoping he has found his peace.”

LongtimeBachelorhostChris Harrisonalso expressed his support for Underwood in anInstagram post. “Very proud of you today@coltonunderwoodHappy to see you stand up and openly live your truth,” Harrison wrote alongside a picture of the pair. “You have my love and support my friend.”

Demi Burnett, whocame out as queerfollowing her time on Underwood’s season, tweeted, “Welcome to the community brother.”

Underwood led season 23 of the ABC dating show in 2019. He was dubbed the so-called “virgin Bachelor,” and virginity became a frequent talking point throughout his season.

He ultimately gave his final rose to contestantCassie Randolph, though they didn’t get engaged. They dated untilannouncing their splitin May 2020, two months after she helped nurse himback to healthafter he contracted COVID-19.

Their breakup was tumultuous. Months after the announcement, in September, Randolph filed a restraining order against Underwood, alleging that he placeda tracking device on her vehicleand that he had shown up to both her L.A. apartment and her parents' house in Huntington Beach, California, unannounced.

She claimed that on one occasion, Underwood loitered in the alley outside her bedroom window of her parents' home at 2 a.m., and said that he started sending her alarming text messages.

In early November, Randolphdropped the restraining order against Underwood. In a statement to PEOPLE at the time, Underwood said the two “were able to reach a private agreement.”

source: people.com