Chris Appleton Opens Up About His Coming Out Journey at 26 and Relationship with Ex, Katie Katon

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton shared his experience of coming out as gay on Bethenny Frankel’s podcast, Just B. He described the process at age 26 as "incredibly difficult," especially since he was raising two young children with Katie Katon, his partner of nine years who provided immense support, PEOPLE reported.

Growing up in Leicester, England, Appleton was drawn to hairstyling at age 13, a passion that led to bullying due to stereotypes. Despite such challenges, hairstyling became his solace, where he found something he excelled at despite struggling with dyslexia.

Reflecting on his past during a podcast episode aired date November 14, he noted how re-discovering an old photograph made him emotional. Katie presented as a constant supportive figure and helped him process emotions tied to letting go of his past life. "There’s so much power in living authentically," Appleton shared, expressing how embracing his true self and abandoning past guilt transformed his life.

The close bond with his ex and their constructive co-parenting of children Billy, 21, and Kitty-Blu, 20, continues to be a testament to mutual respect and understanding.

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