It seems some of David Archuleta’s fans don’t want him talking about his sexuality at concerts. They just want him to sing.
Archuleta shot to fame on American Idol. Raised a devout Mormon, we now know that he struggled for years to embrace his sexuality. He came out in the summer of 2021 and now says he’s most comfortable using the label “queer.”
Related: David Archuleta talks about kissing a man for the first time last year
Archuleta’s currently taking his ‘The More The Merrier’ Christmas tour across venues in his home state of Utah.
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On Tuesday, he played in the city of Delta, Utah. At the end of the show, he talked briefly to the audience about his journey. Someone posted a video to YouTube.
Yesterday, Archuleta revealed that someone connected with the tour (it’s unclear if it was someone connected with the venue, the booking agents or promoters) emailed his manager to complain. They said people had walked out during the part when Archuleta was talking.
Archuleta posted an image of the message to his Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
“I thought the concert was incredible and David took the crowd on a magical Christmas journey,” it began, promisingly. “With each song the excitement built, those attending loved it and appreciated the great talent and voice that David has. I could not of [sic] asked for more up to that point. People were having a Christmas experience that was phenomenal. To go from that high to people walking out of the concert when David used what people thought was a Christmas concert to talk about his journey to being queer.”
“…they got an incredible experience but they did not pay for David to take 15 minute [sic] and ruin that Christmas experience they just had. I do not believe that, that concert was a setting for that to happen. We have some very upset patrons that I will [sic] 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.”
Related: David Archuleta dons a loincloth and handcuffs in this musical of biblical proportion
David Archuleta responds to complaint
Archuleta also posted the images to his Facebook with a lengthy response.
“My manager received an email that I feel is important to address,” Archuleta said. “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. 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.
“I am learning to love myself and encourage others to do the same,” he continued. “Two years ago I was thinking 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.”
He added, “I didn’t say anything explicit or inappropriate. 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 … [that I] didn’t deserve anything good because I was queer. 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,” he said.
“I will not apologize for anything”
“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.
“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. And 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.”
Speaking out for others who are struggling
Archuleta was approached by a video reporter for TMZ when arriving at LA airport yesterday. He was asked about people walking out of his shows in some of the towns he’s played.
Archuleta said that “a few dozen” had walked out of a small-town show in Utah. He again said that he wasn’t going to apologize because, “I didn’t say anything disrespectful. I didn’t say anything inappropriate.”
He said he know it was an “awkward” and “touchy” subject for some people, but he had to speak out “for everyone else going through the same thing, who don’t have the same platform I do, who don’t have people listening to what they’re saying the way I do.”
Watch David’s interview with Queerty below.
Ronbo
THIS is how to address hate and bigotry. Our community is strongest when we accept each other and work together without fear and hate.
CatholicXXX
Hold that phone homophobes went to his concert knowing he’s gay only to complain that he talked about being gay?
Chrisk
So they wanted something shallow instead of something actually real. Not surprising at all.
I didn’t see anyone actually leave the concert based on that video though. Sounds more like
just a few very vocal Karen’s.
abfab
Is there any other kind of Karen? LOL
radiooutmike
I am sure if the complainers went to a Christmas concert with the lovely Amy Grant talking about her marriage to Vince Gill and how they still get “frisky” would not be an issue. It’d just be heartwarming or life-affirming.
storm45701
Amy and Vince can even talk about how they carried on an affair while still married to their first spouses at the time! True Christian values.
Paris in Santiago
Everyone’s journey through self discovery to acceptance as queer is different. David is telling his story simple, short and sweet. Its good to see some recognition reflected back, in a youthful positive way. Good for him. It will save some young lives.
Terrycloth
On one hand I applaud him.for speaking up about his life and his struggles..on the other hand I don’t like artist who use their concert stage to talk about political things either..I didn’t pay my hard earned money to hear your religous / or political beliefs..sing your hits entertain us not preach to us.whether it’s animal activism , gay rights , or voting..double edge sword…most people don’t care. Give us the show.
xnetminder
David Archuleta talking about his personal journey had NOTHING to do with politics nor gay rights. As someone else pointed out that if Amy Grant said similar things about her and her husband, none of it would have been “news”. Many, many artists chat about their lives at their concerts…it’s VERY common…. brings the artist and their fans closer even jn huge venues.
surfnspy
Your opinion. But if you want an artist to simply dance and sing like and organ grinder monkey exactly to your acceptance level, put some change in a juke box. Or stay home and watch YouTube.
A live show is all about a connection with the artist and who they are. That person and their passion is what fuels their live performance. And if they care to share a little about themselves through anecdotes or their political beliefs, it’s their prerogative to do so. For while there might be some folks who disagree, walk out or whatever, there are many more who will feel closer to the artist in that live moment.
SDR94103
good night becky. shhh
Wentz
What a long-winded way to say “Dance, Monkey”
storm45701
“Shut up and sing”, right? That’s what they’ve told the protest singers throughout the past few decades, from Edwin Starr to the Dixie Chicks. No one has the right to dictate what someone says on the stage; if one is uncomfortable with that – or prefers not to hear others express themselves openly – don’t buy a ticket and stay home.
jsmu
Karen, sweetie pie, art is ABOUT rilijizz/’political’ things.
Your stupidity is exceeded only by your total c*ntitude.
Max
LOL, those that walked out didn’t get their ticket’s worth of the show.
bachy
I am not a fan of American Idol but there was something about him and his pop music choices that I always liked. It’s especially difficult for people from highly condemnatory religious backgrounds to come to terms with sexuality. May David’s journey forward be filled with love, acceptance and meltingly hot, passionate sex.
abfab
And he was such a little cutie patootie. I’m saying this with love…………he reminded me of Micky Mouse.
LumpyPillows
David does seem to still be struggling with the damage growing up LDS. I think he’s the bee’s knees. Hope his story only gets better.
surfnspy
Good for him.
He’s clearly had a difficult time accepting himself and finding a place to belong and find acceptance and encouragement.
That people are still walking out and unhappy with his identity makes it all the more important and necessary for him to speak out.
abfab
A beautiful and compelling ‘live’ video taped presentation given by Barbra Streisand at The Institute Of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School is something I advise you to play.
It’s called “The Artist As Citizen”.
Watch it for the enjoyment you wil recieve. She will be preaching to thechoir (most of us) except for those few who STILL insist that everybody just shut up and sing. Are you kidding me?
To Terry, watch it for the education you might get without spending a dime of your hard earned money.
GeekAlert76
I applaud David for sharing with his audience. I had a Mormon best friend who passed away in 2016, and I grew up in an independent fundamental baptist church cult, so I understand what he went through because I went through the same thing. What an amazing and talented young man he is.
Mack
Well, it was in Utah so what did you expect. His concert, he can do whatever he wants-more power to him.
cuteguy
Even Stevie Wonder could see this guy was gay from his American Idol days. Yet these brainwashed cult members went to see him sing anyways so they should keep their rudeness re: his obvious sexuality to themselves. It’s funny that some (if not most) that complained were religious female yet in the Bible women are second class citizens so they should have no voice, according to their “values” and “teachings”. Cherry picking at its best. Just remember Mary Magdalena was the biblical ho yet there are no male biblical hos. Why is that? Bc women are meant to be seen and not heard. Their only job is to have babies and that’s it. Blessed be the fruit.
armandov
Good for him and great response! My only critique after watching that video is that his commentary went on way too long – it was 10 minutes and counting before I stopped watching. The message is lost after 5 minutes and then irritates many people—just my critique. In any case, Bravo, David!!!
Henreid
QUEERTY – please delete the spam account of “mattDq”. The “mattDq” account has been posting the same off-topic spam message in the comments section of multiple QUEERTY articles.
cynthia_foxe
we stand with yu yu lil hottie !!!!
Mr-DJ
You would think that whoever wrote that letter about a Christmas concert, would have actually been a Christian. Apparently not! Guess they just went to see him because he was “cute”. Sounds like a self-righteous little middle-schooler, I mean between this and the grammar in the letter, it’s kind of obvious.
And finally, the letter writer wants performers to not be “ALLOWED” to say anything, just perform and shut up? Sorry ‘Missy’ (or ‘Sparky’), but the concert is about the performer, it’s not about you. You are paying to see whatever they are offering. So, if you didn’t know him and his performance, why would you even buy a ticket?
bachy
Thank you, Henreid!
Diplomat
He’s a very attractive singer but editing is a big problem for some people. 5 mins max could have still delivered the message.
bachy
I agree. Put it out there, short n’ sweet, no explanations, no apologies. If they’re interested, let them do the work.
jsmu
And comprehension of anything over a fifteen second sound bite is impossible for some people.
Like you, troll.
ptb2016
Oh yes, let’s all go through life denying reality! Homophobes are simply people scared of owning up to their own feelings, and think hatred of those honest about themselves will hide their gay side. If you go to a concert given by an openly gay artist and don’t expect his reality to be on show you’re as dumb as your attitudes and prejudices are.