'Empire' Star Jussie Smollett Comes Out During a Chat With Ellen DeGeneres Amid His Co-Star Malik Yoba's Comments: 'There's Never Been a Closet' [VIDEO]

Empire star Jussie Smollett plays his gay role Jamal Lyon well on the show, but does that mean he's really gay? According to the actor and R&B singer, he hasn't talked about his sexuality until a sit-down with Ellen DeGeneres.

After his appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Smollett wanted to break his silence to the host and reveal what a lot of fans were wondering.

“There’s never been a closet. That I’ve been in. 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,” Smollett shared with Ellen. “So that’s why I choose not to talk bout my personal life. But there is without a doubt, no closet that I’ve ever been in, and I just wanted to make that clear, but it was most important for me to make that clear to you on your show at this time in the world. And that’s where I’m at.”

Last week, his co-star Malik Yoba revealed that Smollett was gay during an interview, but later addressed the comments, claiming that he was misquoted.

"I was misquoted in the article. My reference to Jussie was only about his character and storyline on Empire," Yoba told USA Today.

In the interview, Yoba said:

"I think that our show represents a huge opportunity to stay in the culture beyond entertainment value and there's an intrinsic nature of you have the gay factor, right? So, obviously, Lee [Daniels] is gay. That was an important storyline for him. I think it's important for people to see themselves. Even within the black community. But if you aren't really, really taking it off of the screen and making it live in the community in a significant way ... like I know Jussie, he is gay, and he's very committed to issues around the LGBT community. He and I have a very close relationship."

Before coming out, Smollett told Sway in an interview:

"No, [fans shouldn't assume I'm gay], but it's also fair, and I don't see a problem with that and I don't really care. ... This is not a gay black show. This is a show about human experiences. ... I'm not willing to confirm or deny anything. I live my life. If someone is looking for a box to put me in, that's not going to happen. I live my life, and if you really want to know about me, just watch, because I don't hide anything. I just don't choose to talk about my personal life."

After Smollett opened up, DeGeneres applauded the actor for his statement. "There are questions out there and I think that's why it was my responsibility to at least just give you the opportunity," she said.

Looks like Smollett was happy to get that off of his chest. He uploaded a snapshot of himself, and his sister, Jurnee Smollett-Bell jumping for joy after the interview.

Shout if you're grateful for this day! with baby sis @jurneebell

A photo posted by Jussie Smollett (@jussiesmollett) on Mar 6, 2015 at 10:24am PST