Joshua Bassett.Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Joshua Bassetthas one thing clear: “Love who you love shamelessly.”
On Tuesday, the 20-year-old songwriter andHigh School Musical: The Musical: The Seriesactor shared a video of himself singing — along with a powerful statement — on social media addressing recent rumors about his sexuality after he hinted at “coming out” during an interview.
“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,” Bassett wrote. “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,” he continued. “Whether you love me, hate me, or damn me to hell, I love you all the same.”
“I’m breaking the spell. I’m mending the cycle,” he sings in the clip. “Been going through hell. Need more than survival. If I don’t work this out, I’ll probably pass it down again. The time for change is now. It’s my life. It’s my life to live.”
On Monday, TikTok and Twitter went into a frenzy after Bassett describedHarry Stylesas “hot” during an interview and hinted that his mention of his love for the “Watermelon Sugar” star was his “coming out video.”
Bassett has been at the center of conversations surrounding a supposed romance with hisHSMTMTScostarOlivia Rodrigo. Earlier this year, it was rumored that her song “Drivers License” was about the two’s relationship. Bassett is currently dating fellow Disney starSabrina Carpenter.
In aninterview with PEOPLElast week pinned to his newest single “Feel Something,” Bassett opened up about finding himself while being in the spotlight.
“I’m changing every day in so many ways — sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse,” he told PEOPLE. “I’m just figuring it all out. Sometimes you’ve got to embrace that other people get to watch that. Sometimes it’s embarrassing, but sometimes you just have to own it.”
“I just don’t subject myself to a lot of the negative talk, because I just don’t want to focus on the negativity,” he added then. “I’d rather focus on the music and the good stuff, and I think, naturally, that’s what will go the distance, and the talk will go away.”
source: people.com
