Former “Bachelor” star Colton Underwood opened up about his struggles with his sexuality.
The revelations come in Underwood’s new book, “The First Time,” according to a report published Wednesday by People magazine.
“There are a lot of stories and experiences that will help people understand the choices I’ve made,” says Underwood. “And I’m done hiding who I really am.”
Underwood, who ended up playing professional football, was bullied in grade school.
“I was called fatso, four eyes and four lips, because I used to lick my lips, so I would constantly have a red ring around them,” says Underwood. “I was a little heavy, and that, combined with being socially awkward, led to a really hard time. I didn’t believe in myself. And I was super insecure.”
The bullying led to a rumor about Underwood being gay after he chose to practice abstinence due to his religious beliefs. (RELATED: ‘Bachelor’ Star Colton Underwood Gives Health Update After Coronavirus Diagnosis)
“It was one of those things where you hear something so often, you start believing it,” he said. “I thought, maybe I am gay. The captain of the football team should be having sex and drinking, right? But I wasn’t.”
He became the “Bachelor” after becoming a contestant on Becca Kufrin’s season of “The Bachelorette,” where he continued to face the bullying regarding his sexuality.
“Even while my season was airing, I battled the gay [rumors],” he said. “They’d say, ‘he’s gay, he’s hiding it.’ No. But I’ve been there, done that now.”
Underwood eventually met now-girlfriend Cassie Randolph on his season of “The Bachelor.”
“I finally found somebody I really just want to be with,” Underwood said of Randolph. “I want my life to be with Cassie. I know who I am. And that’s really all that matters.”