David Archuleta's homophobic fans walk out of his concert after he shares his 'coming out' journey
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A large number of fans walked out of David Archuleta's concert after he started to talk about his recent journey about coming out as queer. Archuleta, who got back to Los Angeles after his Christmas tour in Utah, told a TMZ reporter that fans bailed on him midway through the concert after he shared his journey as a queer artist on Thursday, December 1. He even shared an email on his Instagram handle that his manager had received from the concert organizers that expressed disappointment over his decision to talk about his journey of coming out which apparently ruined the fans' "Christmas experience."
Part of the email read, "I do not believe that, that concert was a setting for that to happen. We have some very upset patrons that I will dealing with today. I would hope in the remaining concerts, that would not be allowed and just allow them to have an awesome Christmas experience." Even though the incident has saddened the singer, he said that it wouldn't stop him from sharing his journey because he believes that by doing so, he can save many life.
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In response to the negative email, the singer penned a lengthy response in his Instagram post, in which he wrote, “My manager received an email that I feel is important to address. This tour hasn’t been the easiest for me to do. A way for me to find peace with it is by being open about my journey.” He continued, “I am sharing something that I’ve felt I had to keep hidden nearly all my life. Because you believe your existence is unacceptable. That mindset is not healthy. So I am choosing to not hide that anymore. If I offend others for simply saying it’s ok to be who you are and like someone even if it’s the same sex, and people walk out of a show because they are uncomfortable that I am sharing my story of self acceptance. The person singing those songs on stage was no different from the person at the end of the show.”
David revealed, “I am learning to love myself and encourage others to do the same. 2 years ago I was thinking [that] ending my life was better than admitting this openly. If you are more offended that I say I like guys than you are that someone has felt it was better to end their life for that very same reason, I want you to think about why that makes you uncomfortable. I want to have uncomfortable conversations. That’s how you gain understanding.”
“I didn’t say anything explicit or inappropriate,” David explains. "If a few dozen people walk out, but there are others staying who need to know they’re not alone in this journey, it’s worth it to me. I felt I was alone. I was scared. I thought i didn’t deserve anything good because I was queer,” he added.
David further said, “I hope you can see why I open up about it. It’s healing. And helps me not be ashamed of who I am like I was for many years. Thinking I needed to change me. And if I didn’t change me I was a failure. thank you to the other hundreds who stayed last night to listen. I know it’s not a topic usually talked about and it may be uncomfortable for some. Even if it’s a journey that you may not fully understand, It means the world to me that you still were willing to listen.” David also chastised his upset patrons and the concert organizers.“No, I don’t think sharing my journey ruins any Christmas spirit unless you allow your own misconceptions to ruin it yourself. Thank you Delta,” he wrote in his post.
The singer thanked his true fans as well. “To anyone else who still follows me through my journey, I am so grateful for you. I hope you continue to support others who are going through the same things I’ve recently gone through and overcome thanks to the many people like you who are compassionate and supportive. To repeat what my manager said in response to this email, I will not apologize for anything I say however imperfectly I express it. I am me. And I will never apologize for it again how I did for so many years before. And I hope you can unapologetically and lovingly be you too. Wherever you may be on your journey.”
David, who came in second place, behind David Cook, in the seventh season of 'American Idol,' grew up in a strict Mormon home and claims he had to hide his sexual orientation throught his life. The 'Glorious' singer even opened up about having thoughts about killing himself at one point. He came out as a gay in 2021.