Is Ryan Seacrest Gay? TV-Host Dated Several Women through the Years despite Rumors about His Sexuality

Media personality Ryan Seacrest has been followed by speculations about his sexuality for as long as he has been in show business. Although he has never married, the longtime host has only been linked to women.

Ryan Seacrest built his reputation as a media personality and producer, mainly known as the host and co-host of numerous reality TV shows, including "American Idol," "American Top 40," "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," and most recently, "Wheel of Fortune."

He is chiefly recognized as the co-host of "Live with Kelly and Ryan." Over the years, he has received many nods for his work, including a 2010 Emmy Award for producing Jamie Oliver's "Food Revolution."

But while his career certainly speaks for itself, Seacrest's personal life has also sparked public interest, particularly his sexuality. Many have assumed the TV star is gay, including a few notable celebrities, one of whom is a former flame.

Others have even shared their theories about his sexuality on social media. Although the speculation has been ongoing for over a decade, Seacrest has not confirmed nor denied if he is gay; however, he once came under fire for his gay remarks in the early 2000s.

Why Ryan Seacrest Is Presumed Gay

A 2017 article by the Inquisitr did a deep dive into why Seacrest might be gay, stating that "he cleans up well" and "has a clothing line," adding that "he's never been married."

It suggested that these characteristics were likely why many assumed Seacrest was gay, adding there was something about the way he carried himself that aroused suspicion. However, it also maintained that these traits did little to nothing to "prove" Seacrest was gay.

Moreover, it was worth noting that as a TV personality, Seacrest had an entire team of stylists, makeup artists, and stylists dedicated to maintaining his appearance. Being conscientious of one's looks isn't something exclusive to any particular gender, especially in show business.

Seacrest's style in clothing and his venture into fashion as a line owner was also brought into question and linked to his sexuality. Still, as the speculation continued, Seacrest paid it no mind.

Ryan Seacrest Faced Backlash over Gay Banter on "American Idol"

Many years before the previously discussed piece was published, Seacrest came under fire for engaging in banter about being gay. It was during an episode of "American Idol" in the early 2000s when Simon Cowell said the gay anthem "It's Raining Men" was Seacrest's favorite song.

Cowell was responding to Seacrest's remark that he liked listening to "YMCA" at "the Manhole." However, LGBTQ+ fans of "American Idol" didn't take well to the televised interaction.

Seacrest reportedly addressed the criticism, insisting it was "just a joke" and was "never meant to be mean-spirited." He added that he always grabbed opportunities onscreen and on-air to break stereotypes.

Still, gay fans were unhappy, as it appeared Seacrest had missed the point of why they were upset. "I don't care if Ryan has gay friends or if Randy has worked for gay artists. What they say in front of 20 million people is what matters," entertainment media director of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Scott Seomin said.

Female Celebrities Who Thought Ryan Seacrest Was Gay

One of Seacrest's most public romances is the one he shared with Julianne Hough. The former couple began dating in 2010. Seacrest began pursuing Hough when she was 18, but she assumed he was gay.

Hough also noted that he wasn't her type, but he was persistent, and they eventually went on a date. She realized she liked him, and their romance went strong for three years. Hough never mentioned Seacrest's sexuality as the reason for their separation.

However, she wasn't the only female celebrity who assumed he was gay. In 2016, an old clip of Seacrest interviewing Britney Spears and Will.I.Am resurfaced. Seacrest and Will.I.Am were talking about cologne when the artist asked Seacrest if he sprayed cologne on his girlfriend.

The question appeared to leave Spears, seated between the two, dumbfounded as she was captured mouthing "girl," looking bemused. The "Oops!... I Did It Again" singer was likely among many who thought Seacrest was gay.

Ryan Seacrest's Dating History

Following his romance with Hough, Seacrest found love with model Shayna Taylor. The former lovers had an on-and-off relationship before they ended things for good in 2020. He also dated Shana Wall for two years (2003-2005), although the pair remained on good terms afterward.

Sometime in the mid-2010s, they were seen strolling arm-in-arm through New York City streets. The pair dressed similarly, with Seacrest donning a navy double-breasted coat, an NYPD cap, jeans, sneakers, and sunglasses.

Wall wore a caramel-colored trench coat and a gray scarf with matching suede boots. She accessorized with golden hoop earrings and dark shades of her own, with her curled hair parted midway.

More of Seacrest's former flames include Teri Hatcher, Jasmine Waltz, Hilary Cruz, and briefly, Renée Hall, though they only went on a few dates. The TV star has yet to be romantically linked to a man.

Ryan Seacrest's Girlfriend: Meet Aubrey Petcosky

Seacrest's girlfriend, Aubrey Petcosky, is a jack of many trades, working as a model, screenwriter, and actress. In 2016, she enrolled at the University of North Texas to study Fashion and Apparel Design but left a year later.

Petcosky then moved to Austin Community College, where she attained an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in AAS, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services in 2019.

During her studies, she took positions in sales and styling at various companies, including Everything but Water, Baley's Bridal, and BTL Svc Inc. in Los Angeles. In late 2019, she worked part-time as a Hostess, Waitress, and Bartender for Melrose Umbrella Co.

That year, she signed under the NTA Talent Agency as an actress. Petcosky is also signed under LA Models and is a well-known influencer. As of this writing, she has amassed over 76,000 followers on her Instagram page.

Ryan Seacrest and Aubrey Petcosky Celebrate Two Years of Romance

Seacrest and Petcosky were first rumored to be dating in 2021 after they were spotted together in The Hamptons early that year. They kept their relationship relatively private, but Petcosky began sharing glimpses of their romance in 2022.

On that year's New Year's Day, she wrote, "Safe to say the best part of 2021 was meeting the most incredible man [...]. Wishing everyone love, happiness, safety & health in 2022," alongside sweet photos of her and Seacrest enjoying each other's company.

The pair made their red carpet debut as a couple in June 2022, attending the premiere of Jennifer Lopez's documentary, "Halftime." They've maintained their privacy since, but Seacrest once spoke about their relationship on "Live with Kelly and Ryan" with his co-host Kelly Ripa.

Ripa revealed she had met Petcosky and was incredibly fond of the young model. Before she knew of Petcosky, Ripa shared that she began wondering, "We were starting to be like, 'Maybe he doesn't have a special person, and maybe we should check in on him more often?'"

On Valentine's Day in 2023, Petcosky posted another rare tribute to her beau, writing, "Happy Valentine's Day mi amor [...] Loving you has been the adventure of a lifetime. [...] Cheers to many more laughs, sunrises, meals, and spontaneous adventures."

She concluded, saying she felt blessed to have the honor of loving Seacrest alongside a video montage of photos and clips from their time spent together. Two months later, Petcosky shared pictures from a golfing trip she had with Seacrest.

"Ryan, never have I ever met a more inspiring man. You make it look so easy, but the truth is there is just nobody quite like you. I am so beyond proud of you," she gushed. Petcosky praised Seacrest's work ethic and the genuine love she has witnessed him give.

"I am so excited for this next chapter of your life and our life. May it be filled with total presence, joy, and relaxation in every single moment," she continued. It appears the couple was celebrating the second anniversary of their growing love.