Overview

• On the August 6 episode of Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, Appleton revealed he combined painkillers and alcohol in a hotel room in a suicide attempt after coming out.
• He said waking up in a hospital became a turning point that convinced him to stop hiding and live openly as a gay man.
• Appleton described the intense shame he felt after telling longtime partner Katie Katon and their two children, fearing he had failed them as a father and that they’d face bullying.
• He reflected on his April 2023 marriage to actor Lukas Gage and its November 2023 dissolution in Los Angeles court, noting the intense media scrutiny but no regrets about following his heart.
• With his divorce now finalized, Appleton plans to use his forthcoming memoir and public platform to advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQ acceptance.