Union J’s George Shelley Addresses His Sexuality in New YouTube Video: ‘I’m Not Going to Label Myself’

In less than two minutes, George Shelley succinctly put rumors regarding his sexuality to bed in a new YouTube video.

The Union J member recorded a short clip called "Hi! I've got something to talk to you about," which he uploaded today (February 3).

"I want to start 2016 with a clean slate," he began.

"I've been reading a lot of speculation online as to whether I'm straight, gay or bi — it's all these labels. It's a little bit old-fashioned, and this why why I'm not going to label it myself," he explained.

"I've had girlfriends that I've loved and they've been amazing periods of my life," the 22-year-old singer reveals, "but I've also had boyfriends. And I just want you to know that whether I decide to be with a girl next or a guy next, it's because I love them and it shouldn't be a big deal."

"I've not changed. I'm still me. I'm still the same person I've always been. But like I said I'm just becoming a little bit less scared of being myself and that makes me quite happy," he continued.

Addressing his personal life isn't the only way he's living out his truth: Recently, George revealed that he's taking a hiatus from making music as part of Union J, which was originally formed on X Factor UK in 2012, in order to pursue acting, including recent stints on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and BBC Three's improv show, Successville.

"I did X Factor because it's what I felt was right at the time. Acting has always been the thing that I have been into since I was a young though...I am staying in the band but just taking a bit of a left turn. I'm going back to what my real passion is," he told BBC Newsbeat.

There's been an overwhelming outpouring of support in the (notoriously troll-y) comments section: "your sexuality doesnt define the kind hearted and talented human being you are. i am beyond happy and proud of how far you have come in your career journey and personal journey. keep killin it george, i cant wait to see what the future holds for you!" Ashleigh Bayssari writes.

Cheers to progress as a whole, and cheers to George in his new personal and professional endeavors.

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