Fact-Checking Penn Badgley Rumors: Sexuality, Lgbtq+ Advocacy, and Real Life
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
Celebrity rumors rarely ignite in a vacuum. In Badgley's case, internet searches surged after his You co-star James Scully, who played Forty Quinn in the Netflix psychological thriller, candidly admitted during press circuits that he harbored an intense crush on Badgley during production. Scully, who is openly gay, spoke warmly about Badgley's graciousness on set and his effortless charm.
Social media algorithms immediately repurposed those comments. TikTok and YouTube creators clipped soundbites from Badgley's podcast, Podcrushed, cutting together fragments of his deep, reflective conversations with queer guests to build speculative edits. Badgley’s relaxed demeanor when discussing masculinity, emotional vulnerability, and male intimacy often catches audiences unaccustomed to straight actors speaking without defensive posturing.
Pop culture fans also carry lingering memories of his breakthrough role as Dan Humphrey on Gossip Girl (2007, 2012). While Dan Humphrey engaged exclusively in heterosexual storylines, the show’s camp aesthetics and fervent queer following meant its male leads were perpetually subjected to speculative fan casting and romantic gossip throughout the late 2000s.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
