‘Teen Mom’: Kailyn Lowry’s Son, Elliott, ‘Ugly Cried’ When His Prom Photos Were Leaked Before He Came Out
In a heartfelt and empowering moment, Kailyn Lowry’s 15-year-old son, previously known as Isaac, publicly came out as gay and announced his decision to go by his middle name, Elliott, during the June 5 episode of her podcast. This revelation, shared during Pride Month, marked a significant step in Elliott’s journey toward self-identity and authenticity. Growing up in the public eye through shows like 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom 2, Elliott expressed the challenges of being truly seen and understood while under constant scrutiny. And he noted that he was “devastated” when his prom photos were leaked before he officially came out to the public. Here’s what he shared.
Kailyn Lowry’s son, Elliott Rivera, said he was ‘devastated’ when his prom photos were shared before he came out
Teen Mom star Kailyn Lowry’s son, Elliott Rivera, publicly came out during Pride Month, and fans are ecstatic to see him talking about his lived experiences. Elliott joined his mother on her Barely Famous podcast to discuss his identity. While on the podcast, he noted his devastation when his prom photos were leaked by someone online before he personally shared them.
“You went to prom. You were asked to prom by a junior, a male,” said Kailyn, recounting what occurred. “Those pictures and videos were leaked. And I got home, ugly crying.”
“I was devastated,” Elliott said. “I also ugly cried before you got home. It was very disappointing. … Even if you thought you knew I was gay already, it’s disappointing that I couldn’t share [my experience] on my terms. And the way it happened was just not OK.”
Kailyn noted that sharing the photos was a “huge violation,” especially because her son is a minor. She also said it was “dangerous” to do this because of the other kids involved.
“For that instant gratification of yourself, you leaked pictures of minors to be able to say that you heard it first or that you had the information first, or you knew it, you called it,” she said.
Kailyn Lowry expressed how she felt ‘nervous’ for her son to come out on Instagram
Teen Mom star Kailyn Lowry noted on the podcast episode that Elliott initially wanted to come out on Instagram after his prom photos were leaked. However, this plan concerned her.
“It made me nervous for you to post something on Instagram and other people to screen record, make videos, and make money off of you coming out,” Kailyn shared. “It’s exploitative, and it’s not fair. So, if you’re going to share your story, you should be able to tell your story in your own words. I’m not making a dime of profit off of this. This is going to you. … You should be the one benefiting from your story.”
Elliott noted that he didn’t share his story for money. “It was about me sharing my story on my terms,” he said.
Elliott Rivera explained the importance of his personal privacy
Elliott Rivera is trying to find balance in his personal life and public persona. While on the Barely Famous podcast, he noted that his privacy remains of the utmost importance and that he has boundaries with all types of people in his life.
“For me, it’s important to have a private life,” Elliott explained to Teen Mom star Kailyn Lowry. “If I’m just on the internet all the time and have no social life with people around me … what is that? It’s very important for me to have a private life, too. So, I feel like it’s important to have boundaries within that.”
Elliott noted that he has additional boundaries for those who are aware of his past Teen Mom appearances. He doesn’t want those people to share his personal life “with the world.”
He also has a message to fans. “Don’t take something that I share with my personal life and put it publicly,” he continued. “But, also, I have to be more cautious of that.”
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