Gus Kenworthy shared high praise for Heated Rivalry — revealing that he can relate to the closeted gay characters within the show.
The Olympic freestyle skier publicly got here out in 2015 after catapulting to fame following the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Before he got here out, Kenworthy, 34, was even linked to pop star Miley Cyrus, paralleling the connection between Hudson Williams’ Shane Hollander and movie star Rose Landry (played by Sophie Nélisse).
“I just finished [the show],” Kenworthy told The Latest Yorker in an interview published on Sunday, January 25. “At first, I didn’t understand the massive deal. It was fun to look at, however it was type of smut. I truthfully thought, ‘All these thirsty gays! Y’all are only horny.’ Like, you could possibly watch porn?”
“[But] people kept telling me, ‘Just wait—it tugs on the heartstrings.’ After which it did. The third episode modified things for me,” the Olympic silver medalist shared, referring to the standalone episode centered around François Arnaud’s closeted hockey player, Scott Hunter.
Kenworthy explained, “I actually wrote a message to the show’s creator because I used to be so moved, and didn’t expect to be. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen myself reflected onscreen like that, in such a considerable way. The parallels are form of insane.”
Within the third episode, Scott secretly dates barista Kip (Robbie G.K.), with whom he has a whirlwind romance at the peak of his fame.
“I also had a secret relationship, with these clandestine meetings and hookups,” he explained. “And Miley Cyrus was my very own Rose, this big name that I used to be suddenly linked to, and as much as I form of wanted it — because that’s the person you’d wish to be with for those who’re straight, someone successful and delightful and talented — it’s not the identical as if you’re with a man.”
“After which the Scott Hunter character — I actually related to him. He desired to be out, but really, just truly felt like he couldn’t be, due to his circumstances,” Kenworthy added. “That was me for therefore a few years. I had the identical craving — to be in love, to be public, and to not need to hide.”
Dating pro! Miley Cyrus has had her fair proportion of affection throughout her life, including many high-profile relationships. Her relationship along with her Last Song costar Liam Hemsworth made headlines because the pair dated on and off for 10 years. They tied the knot in December 2018 after getting engaged in May 2012. The pair split […]
Kenworthy also pitched himself for an appearance in Heated Rivalry season 2.
“, I played hockey through highschool. I can skate, and I do know the way to handle a stick,” he quipped.
Kenworthy will represent the UK within the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, having previously represented the U.S. in 2014 and 2018.
The sports star reflected on his temporary reference to Cyrus, 33, following the 2014 Winter Olympics.
“Our event was February thirteenth, and we swept the rostrum, and the subsequent day was Valentine’s Day — all of the reporters were asking: ‘What’s your dream date?’ ‘Who’s your celebrity crush?’ We were these three young guys. And I remember just feeling really tormented: Do I make a joke in quotes and say, like, Jake Gyllenhaal.”
He continued, “I form of panicked and said Miley Cyrus. … And all these people tweeted it out. Neither of those girls responded to those guys, but Miley tweeted at me and followed me. It was surreal for numerous reasons, but I used to be also digging myself this deeper and deeper hole.”
“I actually love her. But then there was some flirty texting, and I remember considering, ‘What am I doing?’” he said. “I don’t wish to do that anymore. I don’t wish to keep waking up and lying.”