Former “American Idol” contestant David Archuleta said that a few “dozen” fans in Utah left one of his concerts after he shared his coming out story.
The 31-year-old musician told the story to TMZ, saying he gave an account of his coming out story during a break between songs. Archuleta claimed that this inspired the exodus. Then he shared an email he allegedly exchanged with the venue manager. In it, the employee expressed disappointment over Archuleta choosing to talk about his sexuality onstage.
“I do not believe that, that concert was a setting for that to happen,” the email read in part. “We have some very upset patrons that I will [be] dealing with today. I would hope in the remaining concerts, that would not be allowed.”
The musician then told TMZ that he has no intention of keeping quiet about his sexuality or coming out story.
Archuleta came in second place on “American Idol” during season seven in 2008, just behind that season’s winner David Cook. He grew up in a Salt Lake City suburb and was raised Mormon. He came out as gay to his family in 2014, but in 2021 admitted that he wasn’t sure of his sexuality, giving a rundown of his thoughts via a lengthy Instagram post.
He talked more about struggling with his faith and how it related to his sexuality.
“There are people experiencing the same feelings of being LGBTQIA+, (i know that’s a lot of letters that a lot of people don’t understand, but there are a lot of unique experiences people feel and live that make them feel isolated and alone that are represented) who are wrestling to follow their beliefs that are so important to them, just as I have,” Archuleta said in the post.
“Idk what to make of it and I don’t have all the answers,” Archuleta continued, before asking that readers show compassion to people who are LGBT.
The post concluded with the “American Idol” contestant saying, “You can be part of the LGBTQIA+ community and still believe in God and his gospel plan,” Archuleta added.