Jussie Smollett, who stars on Fox’s new hit Empire as rising gay singer Jamal, opened up about his own sexuality as a guest on The Ellen Show.

Jussie Smollett Confirms He’s Gay

Smollett, 29, wanted to set the record straight about his sexuality since his character’s sexuality on Empire has led many to wonder whether or not he too identifies as gay. As Smollett explained, he has nothing to hide and has never been in the closet.

“You are who you are — and he was just Michael and you’re just Ellen — so it was really important to me to make sure that it got across that there is no closet, there’s never been a closet that I’ve been in,” Smollett told Ellen DeGeneres backstage at the show.

“I don’t own a closet, I got a dresser, but I don’t have a closet, but I have a home and that is my responsibility to protect that home,” he continued. “So that’s why I choose not to talk about my personal life, but there is without a doubt no closet that I’ve ever been in.”

Smollett also stated, “Let’s not read into it in the wrong way when I say that I don’t talk about my personal life. I’m saying that, but it is in no way to hide or deny who God made me. My mama knows. My mama likes me a lot and, yes, I take her to The Sound of Music singalong every single year.”

During the taping, Smollett had talked about people’s propensity to spew hate. By merely playing a gay character, Smollett has been on the recipient of that hate, which served as an incentive to be open about his own sexuality instead of remaining silent.”You cannot allow people to spew hate and be OK,” he said. “As tenants of this earth it’s our job to make a difference and make the world better, and we can’t just sit around and let people spew nasty things and just think that that’s OK. It’s not OK. ”

After the show, Smollett retweeted an Instagram post from The Ellen Show, writing, “Thank you ELLEN. Thank you all. I love yall so very very much. #OneLove#TheWorldKeepsSpinning.”

He also shared a snap with his sister, Jurnee Smollett. “Shout if you’re grateful for this day! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ with baby sis @jurneebell.”

Empire airs Wednesdays on Fox at 9/8c.