Clay Aiken Says He ‘Died Inside’ when Rosie O’Donnell ‘Outed’ Him on ‘The View’ Amid Feud with Kelly Ripa

‘American Idol’ star recalls being outed on live TV

Clay Aiken is opening up about what he describes as “the most catastrophic week” of his life, when Rosie O’Donnell inadvertently revealed his sexuality on live television nearly two decades before he was ready to come out publicly, Entertainment Weekly reports.

Clay Aiken says he ‘died inside’ when Rosie O’Donnell ‘outed’ him on ‘The View’ amid feud with Kelly Ripa

The “American Idol” alum reflects on the 2006 debacle that played out on live TV, admitting, “I was freaked out.” Clay Aiken; Rosie O’DonnellCredit: John Lamparski/Getty; Randy Holmes/Disney via GettyKey PointsClay Aiken says he “died inside” when Rosie O’Donnell “outed” him on The View in 2006 amid his feud with Kelly Ripa.“I was freaked out,” admitted the American Idol alum, who announced he was gay two years later.Aiken also revealed how Tori…

Clay Aiken says Rosie O'Donnell accidentally outed him on 'The View'

Clay Aiken says though Rosie O'Donnell "outed" him while defending him to Kelly Ripa on "The View" in 2006, he believes "she did mean well."

Clay Aiken reflects on Rosie O'Donnell outing him on 'The View' after Kelly Ripa feud

Clay Aiken stopped by Page Six Radio to chat with co-hosts Danny Murphy and Evan Real. The former “American Idol” star opened up about Rosie...