Colton Underwood Opens Up About Secret Past

Former “Bachelor” star Colton Underwood is reflecting on the years before he publicly came out, revealing why he secretly hooked up with married men while struggling with his sexuality.

Colton Underwood Shares New Details About Life Before Coming Out

June 17, 2026: Colton Underwood is opening up about one of the most private chapters of his life.

The former “Bachelor” star recently revealed that before becoming known to viewers as the “Virgin Bachelor,” he secretly hooked up with married men while trying to keep his sexuality hidden. Underwood discussed the experience during an appearance on the “We Need to Talk” podcast, explaining that fear and shame influenced many of his decisions.

According to Underwood, he believed married men had more to lose if their encounters became public, making him feel safer at the time. His candid comments have sparked fresh discussions about his journey, years after he publicly came out as gay in 2021.

Image Credit: We Need To Talk/YouTube

How Colton Underwood Became the “Virgin Bachelor”

Before becoming one of the franchise’s most recognizable faces, Underwood pursued a career in football and briefly spent time with several NFL organizations.

He later joined Bachelor Nation through Season 14 of “The Bachelorette” before appearing on “Bachelor in Paradise.” In 2019, he became the lead of Season 23 of “The Bachelor,” where his virginity became one of the central storylines of the season.

The label of “Virgin Bachelor” followed him throughout his time on reality television and helped make him one of the most talked-about figures in the franchise.

At the time, many viewers believed his decision to abstain from sex reflected personal and religious values. However, Underwood has since revealed that his internal struggles were far more complicated.

Why He Secretly Hooked Up With Married Men

During the podcast conversation, Underwood explained that he was terrified of being exposed before he was ready to publicly acknowledge his sexuality.

He said he sought encounters with married men because he assumed they would be equally motivated to protect their privacy.

Underwood admitted that fear heavily influenced his choices and that he compartmentalized different aspects of his life while struggling to reconcile his identity with his upbringing.

He explained that he lived with a constant fear of being discovered and often tried to suppress feelings he did not fully understand at the time.

Religion and Expectations Played a Major Role

Underwood has previously spoken about growing up in a religious environment and feeling pressure to fit into traditional expectations.

In his latest comments, he acknowledged that he believed following conventional milestones—including dating women and eventually losing his virginity—might somehow change his sexuality.

Those beliefs, he said, contributed to years of confusion and emotional turmoil.

The reality star has repeatedly described the experience as isolating and painful, explaining that he spent much of his early adulthood trying to become the person he thought others expected him to be.

His story has resonated with many members of the LGBTQ+ community who have faced similar struggles involving identity, faith, and acceptance.

Image Credit: ABC/Rick Rowell

Coming Out Changed the Course of His Life

In April 2021, Underwood publicly came out as gay during an interview with Robin Roberts on “Good Morning America.”

The announcement marked a major turning point in his life and was followed by the Netflix docuseries “Coming Out Colton,” which documented his journey toward self-acceptance.

Since then, Underwood has become more open about discussing his past and the challenges he faced while living in secrecy.

He has also emphasized the importance of authenticity and mental health, frequently speaking about how much happier he is after embracing his identity.

Building a New Life With Husband Jordan C. Brown

Following his public coming out, Underwood began dating political strategist Jordan C. Brown.

The couple announced their engagement in 2022 and married in Napa Valley in May 2023. They later welcomed their son, Bishop, through surrogacy in 2024.

In recent interviews and social media posts, Underwood has shared glimpses into family life and spoken about the joy he has found in marriage and fatherhood.

The reality star has frequently described becoming a husband and father as one of the most fulfilling chapters of his life.

Fans React to Underwood’s Latest Revelations

Underwood’s comments have generated mixed reactions online.

Many fans praised him for continuing to speak openly about the emotional struggles he experienced before coming out. Others said his story highlights the damaging effects of shame and societal pressure.

Supporters also noted that his willingness to revisit difficult experiences may help others who are facing similar questions about identity.

Meanwhile, discussions across Reddit, TikTok, Instagram, and X have reflected renewed interest in Underwood’s journey from reality television star to husband and father.

Image Credit: We Need To Talk/YouTube

Some Chapters of His Past Continue to Draw Scrutiny

Although Underwood’s recent remarks have been widely discussed, some aspects of his past continue to generate debate among viewers.

His relationship with former “Bachelor” winner Cassie Randolph ended in controversy in 2020, when she sought a restraining order against him. The matter was later privately resolved.

Because of those events, public reaction to Underwood often remains divided.

While many people have applauded his openness regarding his sexuality and personal growth, others continue to examine previous controversies involving the reality star.

Why Colton Underwood’s Story Still Resonates

Underwood’s journey has remained relevant because it touches on issues that extend beyond reality television.

His experiences with shame, religion, identity, and acceptance have resonated with many people who have struggled to reconcile personal beliefs with societal expectations.

By speaking candidly about his past, Underwood continues to contribute to broader conversations surrounding mental health, sexuality, and self-discovery.

His latest revelations offer further insight into the challenges he faced before embracing the life he now openly celebrates.

Final Thoughts

Colton Underwood’s latest interview provides another chapter in his ongoing story of self-acceptance.

Years after becoming known as the “Virgin Bachelor,” the former reality star is sharing more about the fears and decisions that shaped his early life. While some aspects of his past remain controversial, Underwood’s willingness to speak openly has helped spark conversations about identity, shame, and the importance of living authentically.

FAQs

Q1. Why is Colton Underwood trending?

Colton Underwood is trending after revealing that he secretly hooked up with married men before becoming known as the “Virgin Bachelor.”

Q2. Why did Colton Underwood seek married men?

He said he believed married men had more to lose and therefore would be less likely to expose him.

Q3. Did Colton Underwood have sex with men before coming out?

Underwood said he had physical encounters with men but clarified that they did not involve sex.

Q4. When did Colton Underwood come out as gay?

He publicly came out in April 2021.

Q5. Who is Colton Underwood married to?

He is married to political strategist Jordan C. Brown.

Q6. Do Colton Underwood and his husband have children?

Yes. They welcomed their son, Bishop, through surrogacy in 2024.

Q7. Why was Colton called the “Virgin Bachelor”?

His virginity became a major storyline during Season 23 of “The Bachelor.”

Q8. What podcast did he discuss this on?

He shared the revelations during an appearance on the “We Need to Talk” podcast.