Exclusive: 'Glee' Star Naya Rivera on Gay Rumors
Naya Rivera is best known for playing lesbian character Santana Lopez on the FOX musical hit Glee, and now she's directly addressing public speculation about her own sexuality.
In a new interview with Latina magazine, the 26-year-old star attempts to clear up rumors. "No, I've never had a relationship with a girl, contrary to what people might think." Naya's character Santana deals with coming out as a lesbian in Glee's third season and is involved in a relationship with Brittany, played by Heather Elizabeth Morris.
Naya does tell the magazine she's proud to be portraying such a major gay character on TV. "There are very few ethnic LGBT characters on television, so I am honored to represent them," she said. "I love supporting this cause, but it's a big responsibility, and sometimes it's a lot of pressure on me."
In the interview she talks about her current boyfriend, rapper Big Sean, and reveals that she's never had any intention of keeping that relationship secret. "We know so many who are in the public eye dating somebody, and they're going in through back entrances and won't make eye contact with each other. That's just not us."
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Naya also addresses how the cast of Glee is still recovering from Cory Monteith's sudden death in July from a drug overdose. "We're definitely taking it day by day. Everybody's really just leaning on each other and trying to do good work.
You can read Naya's full interview in Latina's October issue, hitting newsstands September 10.