Introduction to the Story
Sawyer Hemsley, co-founder and chief branding officer of Crumbl Cookies, came out as gay after social media users spread viral rumors about his sexuality. “Over the past little while, there have been people online trying to define me, twist things, and share conversations in ways that feel harmful. Instead of letting others write my story, I want to share it in my own words,” Hemsley wrote in an Instagram post on Aug. 25. “The truth is, over the past few years I’ve come to understand and accept that I’m gay.”
Background on Sawyer Hemsley
Hemsley often posts on his personal social media about the billion-dollar business he founded with cousin Jason McGowan in 2017. The front-facing executive, who grew up Mormon, has recently been the subject of online speculation about his sexuality on TikTok. In one such video, which garnered more than 19 million views, influencer Grant Gibbs speculates on Hemsley’s sexuality after seeing a video of him.
The Viral Video and Speculation
In the video, Gibbs said, “That’s apparently a straight man? No, it’s not, that man is so gay. That man is gay to the gods,” on Aug. 21. “I don’t care if I’m outing a CEO with millions of dollars, I don’t give a f—, but that’s a gay man.” Gibbs later posted a follow-up video “addressing the Crumbl situation,” first correcting himself on Hemsley’s title (McGowan is actually Crumbl’s CEO) and clarifying his thoughts on the matter, stating that he didn’t know the video would “blow up like that.”
Reaction to the Speculation
But the comments are mostly supportive of Gibbs’ theory, with some likening the spelling of Crumbl to LGBTQ+ dating app Grindr as some kind of clue. Others hurled homophobic comments in Hemsley’s direction. Hemsley continued in his Instagram post, “It’s taken me a long time to really process this part of myself and even longer to feel comfortable enough to say it out loud.” “For most of my life, I didn’t have the clarity to answer the questions or respond to the rumors. Coming to terms with it has been overwhelming and, at times, scary — but it has also brought me peace, joy, and authenticity that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
Aftermath and Apology
In response to the suggestion that Hemsley came out because of his viral video, Gibbs posted a final TikTok on the subject on Aug. 26, congratulating Hemsley on coming out. “Girl, I am so happy for you and so proud of you. You are hot and you are going to live your best open, out, gay life, mama,” Gibbs says on a New York City subway platform. “I admit what I did was wrong. At the end of the day, it was wrong.”
Conclusion
The story of Sawyer Hemsley coming out as gay highlights the impact of social media on personal lives and the importance of self-acceptance. Despite the initial speculation and rumors, Hemsley’s decision to share his story in his own words has brought him peace and authenticity.
FAQs
Q: Who is Sawyer Hemsley?
A: Sawyer Hemsley is the co-founder and chief branding officer of Crumbl Cookies.
Q: Why did Sawyer Hemsley come out as gay?
A: Hemsley came out as gay after social media users spread viral rumors about his sexuality, and he wanted to share his story in his own words.
Q: What was the reaction to the speculation about Hemsley’s sexuality?
A: The comments were mostly supportive of the speculation, but some people hurled homophobic comments in Hemsley’s direction.
Q: How did Grant Gibbs respond to the situation?
A: Gibbs congratulated Hemsley on coming out and admitted that what he did was wrong.
Q: What can be learned from this story?
A: The story highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the impact of social media on personal lives.
