Shemar Moore on Gay Rumors, Homophobic Commenters: ‘That’s Just Simple-Minded Ignorance’

Shemar Moore has for years faced rumors that he was gay, but the Criminal Minds actor has always maintained that he is straight--although not always with the best tact--and that he fully supports his gay friends and fans.

In an interview with BET, the actor talked about his first independently produced film, The Bounce Back, which premiered Friday. He also took time to, once again, respond to gossip about his sexuality on social media.

"I just think it's all silly," he said. "If you're gay, you're gay. I'm not, and I know that and I'm very comfortable with who I am and I love women."

Moore's bravado led him so far as to say, "if you think I'm gay, send your girlfriend over to my house and see what happens."

Slightly creepy posturing aside, the actor did share some encouraging words about how "ignorant" the homophobes on social media can be when they come for him.

"I have fans that are gay, men that come up to me, and they're inspired by me, or they like me as an entertainer, and when they want to give me a hug or take pictures with me, what, am I supposed to not put my arm around them or stand next to them?" he said. "And if the man next to me in the picture is gay, that makes me gay? That's just simple-minded ignorance, and I don't play that."