Colton Haynes Is ‘Happier Than Ever’ As He Publicly Comes Out

He sparked headlines back in January after hitting back at rumours saying he had a ‘secret’ past.

But now, Colton Haynes has ended all speculation on his sexuality and officially come out as gay.

In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, the former Teen Wolf and Arrow star discussed why he chose to walk away from such huge shows, citing his health as the reason.

“I asked to step away because I cared more about my mental and physical health than my career at the time.

“I’ve had terminal anxiety my entire life. Physically ill, fainting. I’m 27 years old, and I have an ulcer. I had to step back.”

But while Colton took a step back from the public eye in some ways, he used social media to stay engaged with his fans, which is how the growing speculation about his sexuality came about.

The star responded to a Tumblr post claiming he had a ‘secret’ gay past, saying: “Was it a secret? Let’s all just enjoy life & have no regrets”.

The reply sparked a ton of headlines, which Colton says was a ‘complete shock’ to him.

He added: “I should have made a comment or a statement, but I just wasn’t ready. I didn’t feel like I owed anyone anything.

“I think in due time, everyone has to make those decisions when they’re ready, and I wasn’t yet. But I felt like I was letting people down by not coming forward with the rest of what I should have said.

“People want you to be that GQ image that you put out, but people don’t realize what it’s like to act 24 hours a day. I’d go home and I was still acting.

“People who are so judgmental about those who are gay or different don’t realize that acting 24 hours a day is the most exhausting thing in the world.”

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Clearly, Colton now feels confident enough to publicly come out, and is now looking forward to a new chapter in his career where he’s setting his eye on film, theatre and even music.

He told the mag: “It took me so long to get to this point, but I’m doing so good.

“I’m happier than I’ve ever been, and healthier than I’ve ever been, and that’s what I care about.”