August Alsina has sparked speculation about his sexuality following the latest episode of VH1’s The Surreal Life.
At the end of the season seven finale on Monday (November 21), the singer opened up about love coming into his life in a “new way” and wanting to honor “the person that I love” before introducing a man onto the screen, claiming it “defies” what “love should look like.”
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“It’s been a year from filming Surreal Life, and my life has become even more surreal,” August Alsina said after taking a deep breath. “My life has kind of changed drastically and this show has kind of been a catalyst to that because of the fact that I had so much fear going into this journey. So much fear that, I mean, I can feel my hand shaking right now, because of being put outside of my comfort zone.
“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be able to use my voice and share my voice on a platform like this, and allow others to see themselves through me. Fear has been the greatest tool of teaching for me in so many ways and this experience has taught me love in so many different forms and facets.”
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He continued: “And then, what do you know, love showed up – but in a new way. I wanna share that and really honor the person that I love and that loves me back and teaching me so much about love and healing. I wanna do that in front of the world because it defies all the constructs that one would say love is supposed to be or love should look like.”
The pair then embraced with a hug, with August Alsina telling the man: “I love you.”
The man’s name is Zu and has collaborated with August Alsina on the songs “Yeah Yeah” and “2am,” which were both released this past summer. Zu is also an ambassador and model for Alsina’s genderless skincare line, Encina Wellness.
While Alsina didn’t confirm he and Zu are in a relationship, many viewers ran with the assumption that the singer came out as bisexual and introduced his boyfriend to the world — and took to Twitter to share their reactions.
“wait i’m gagging august alsina has a man,” one fan wrote, while person said: “August Alsina coming out was not on my 2022 Bingo Card! But, I’m proud!”
Others questioned August Alsina’s supposed coming out moment by suggesting The Surreal Life producers purposely edited the scene to stir up conversation around the show.
“the way August Alsina was probably talking about BROTHERLY/FAMILY love and here y’all go saying the man has a boyfriend,” one Twitter user wrote. “lmao Jail for all of you and VH1 for that editing.”
Another person said: “Y’all confusing the hell outta me half of y’all saying that’s August Alsina boyfriend the other half saying that no he’s not that’s his brother NOW WHICH ONE IS IT CAUSE THOSE ARE TWO VERY DIFFERENT THINGS.”
Podcaster/TV personality Van Lathan weighed in on the topic by asking his followers: “Am I the only one who thinks August Alsina didn’t really say anything definitive?”
The Surreal Life follows a group of celebrities living together in a Hollywood Hills mansion for two weeks, with cameras recording the cast’s participation in group activities, along with their relationships and conflicts.
August Alsina appeared on the show alongside Dennis Rodman, Tamar Braxton, Stormy Daniels, CJ Perry, Frankie Muniz, Kim Coles and Manny MUA.
