Jaleel White became a pop icon of sorts in the 90s with his role as the über-nerd Steve Urkel on Family Matters. This week the actor appeared on a Detroit radio interview and got "more than he
bargained for" when they questioned him about gay rumors and a rumored relationship with former NBA player Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway.
WJLB in the Morning DJs COCO, Foolish and Mr. Chase:
When
Foolish said that he heard Jaleel and Penny were "roomates" Jaleel
emphatically said, "Naaaah man, I wasn't ever no damn roomates with
Penny Hardaway." Everyone on the show almost lost their minds when Mr.
Chase said "we heard you guys were buTT-ddies!" And then Foolish asked
him about [a] picture that appears to be Jaleel in some
Applebottom [jeans]... Jaleel said that it's not him... *sigh of relief* He said that Penny was like a "big brother" figure,
comparing their relationship to that between LeBron James and rapper
Drake. He said, "If you see Drake and LeBron do you think they're gay? That's crazy." He went on to say that
the gay rumors don't really bother him because "your not successful
unless somebody thinks your gay."
In comparison, White says the 2006 internet rumors that claimed he had committed suicide were "hurtful" to him and his family.
The gay rumors about Jaleel White's supposed relationship coincide with Family Matters first-ever DVD release. Never heard them before, but that's one way to start some buzz.
"If you see Drake and LeBron do you think they're gay?"
.......Well, actually.....
Posted by: marc | 20 June 2010 at 14:37
>>>If you see Drake and LeBron do you think they're gay?
YES!
Posted by: GRANT | 20 June 2010 at 14:52
LOL! I never heard this rumor or saw any alleged pictures of him in apple bottoms. Jaleel was outstanding as Steve Urkel and Family Matters is one of my ALL TIME favorite sitcoms. Its a shame his career didn't stay together after that show, but he seems to be doing well.
Posted by: Isis | 20 June 2010 at 15:38
I never heard these DL rumor either, lol. But Penny Hardaway is hot, I'll get all up on that.
And Rod what you doin' listening to radio in Detroit lol
Posted by: Moore | 20 June 2010 at 16:32
I don't care if Jaleel is gay or not. He didn't say anything bad about gay people, while denying he was gay, so he's good in my book. Do you.
I havent heard the name Jaleel White in quite a while, so thanks for this post. I used to love Steve Urkel...and Stefan...and Myrtle! LOL
Posted by: The Truth | 20 June 2010 at 16:43
No one said Jaleel said something bad and Rod certainly didnt say it either. Just passing along a story that a radio station posted, breathe.
But the DJs were very homophobic though and have no problem showing it. That's black radio though. And of course most of us black gay men listen to it and say or do nothing.
Posted by: Faison | 20 June 2010 at 17:28
@Faison
Of course no one said Jaleel said anything against gay people, hun...
I made MY OWN comment on Jaleel and how he conducted himself during the homophobic portion of the interview...
Thanks. That is all.
Posted by: The Truth | 20 June 2010 at 17:39
Of course neither Rod or anyone else said anything bad about Jaleel White, hun.
FYI..I was making MY OWN comment on Jaleel as a result of how I thought he conducted himself.
Thanks. That is all.
Posted by: The Truth | 20 June 2010 at 17:49
Jaleel White did NOT say he wasn't gay. He said he wasn't roommates with Penny Hardaway and they wasn't smashing!
White didnt say he wasnt gay. He could be gay, bi or DL. Looks like he has a big piece too!
Posted by: South Side Trade | 20 June 2010 at 20:20
I would call this "ambush" journalism except that these DJs aren't journalists with an ounce of integrity. It's like asking someone if he has stopped beating his wife. What exactly is the answer you're supposed to give? No matter what you say, the seed of doubt has been planted. And it doesn't take much water for it to grow. Reminds me of the scene from the movie "Doubt" when the priest was giving a sermon about gossip.
I agree with The Truth. I don't care if Jaleel is or isn't gay, and he didn't say anything derogatory about gay folks.
Posted by: Ravenback | 20 June 2010 at 21:02
What Ravenback said.
Those clowning morning DJs are on some bullsh_t. It's obvious that was not Jaleel White in those blue jeans. People just like startin gay rumors about black male celebrities, its supposed to be the ultimate put down to a black man.
Posted by: Rahsaan | 20 June 2010 at 21:31
IT is 2010? are we still gossiping about someones alleged "homosexuality" if jaleel is gay, penny, will smith , whom ever why oh why is this still news u or anyone needs to know!!!!! this Sh#4 is ridiculous
Posted by: Eric Robinson | 20 June 2010 at 22:23
ohhh yes! trade honey TRADE!
Posted by: Janet Fan | 20 June 2010 at 22:52
It would have been funny if Jaleel had shot back with "oh yeah? I heard the same rumors about you 3. it's all over the internet message boards. which one of you is the top"?
serve them a little dose of their own bull$#!t.
Posted by: ff | 21 June 2010 at 12:43
Well Jaleel, consider yourself a STAR honey. Cuz you haven't truly reached stardom until the buttboy rumors take off...
Wish you all the best! Come back to the TV screen lil papa!
Posted by: Black Pegasus | 21 June 2010 at 16:41