The X Factor winner Matt Terry has revealed that he is gay, saying that he is "no longer afraid" of discussing his sexuality.
The 30-year-old - winner of the contest in 2016 - has often had his sexuality questioned in the media over the years but has now decided to come out in an interview with Gay Times.
Terry's decision to open up about his private life coincides with his return to music with new single 'His car', the video for which sees him interacting with a male love interest.
"Throughout the years, I've had media reach out and offer me money like, 'We'll give you this much if you want to talk about your sexuality,' and I would say, 'Absolutely not.' I'm too proud and have too much self-respect," he told the magazine. "But now, I want to set the record straight with this song and video. I know... People are gonna be like, 'Is this news?'
"All of my friends and family and people that know me personally, it's not news to them. I'm just prepared to be honest. I'd be lying if I said I'm not nervous and that I'm tough-as-nails. But, I just love where I'm at and I love the man I've become. Being in love with another man is part of who I am, so if I don't love me, then I'm not doing it right. We should love every part of ourselves.
"I'm very proud [of my sexuality], and I'm no longer afraid. I don't think it's going to hurt me, I'll put it that way. I have prepared myself for support and love, but I've also prepared for homophobia. I will have some unfollows, but I don't care. I would rather have 200 followers that love me than 200,000 followers that are homophobic."
Watch the video for 'His car' below:
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