CNN's Anderson Cooper: 'The fact is, I'm gay, always have been'

It was reported today by The Daily Beast — Anderson Cooper, host and journalist for CNN said: "The fact is, I'm gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn’t be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud."

The longtime rumors are in fact true. In an email to The Daily Beast he reveals he has always been gay and his family, close friends and colleagues have always known. Cooper, 45, never thought it was an issue, and for some reason he has been off the air since last week on CNN for his 8pm show, which has become one of the network's largest audiences. He will most likely reveal this on his Anderson Cooper AC360° tonight on CNN. The 'silver fox' has always dodged the big question, but didn't feel it should be public until today. "I've always believed that who a reporter votes for, what religion they are, who they love, should not be something they have to discuss publicly. As long as a journalist shows fairness and honesty in his or her work, their private life shouldn't matter. I’ve stuck to those principles for my entire professional career" Cooper has always been an advocate for anti-bullying policies, it's been reported. His honesty in his reporting has been clear, and he does not take sides, whether it is right or left; he tells the story and researches the facts and let's the audience decide. Whatever the outcome, it was not a surprise to most.