Kerry Washington responded to the rumors that she is a lesbian in a recent interview with Advocate, a leading LGBT publication.

The newlywed, who is reportedly four months along in her pregnancy with her first child, said she understands why fans assumed she was gay. Because she has always been silent about her personal life, people decided to "fill in the gaps."

"It's interesting how much people long to fill in the gaps when someone in the public eye doesn't share their personal life," Washington told Advocate. "I understand their frustration.

"I like how people will post pictures of me with other women that I adore, hugging on red carpets, and say, 'See?' Are we so uncomfortable with love between two people of the same gender that we immediately label it as sexual?"

The Scandal star was never offended by rumors questioning her sexuality, saying, "I've never been bothered by the lesbian rumor. There's nothing offensive about it, so there's no reason to be offended."

Washington, 36, married NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha, 31, over the summer. He signed with the San Francisco 49ers in April. He was part of the Oakland Raiders for eight seasons and the Philadelphia Eagles for two seasons.

In her cover story for Glamour magazine's October 2013 issue, Washington explained why she was secretive about her marriage.

"I learned through experience that it doesn't work for me to talk about my personal life. I've had earlier times in my career when I did talk about it," she said. "I was on the cover of a bridal magazine [InStyle Weddings, in 2005, when Washington was engaged to actor David Moscow]. But I couldn't just turn around and say, 'I only want to talk about the good stuff, but not the bad stuff.' So I just thought, 'OK, no more,' "

Kerry Washington Says 'I Don't Drink Alcohol,' Fueling Pregnancy Rumors

A recent report revealed that Washington is quietly expecting her first child.

"She's about four months along," an insider told Us Weekly, cited in the magazine's issue out on newsstands now.

Washington's baby bump was visible during her Oct. 19 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, see here.

Tags
Kerry Washington, Scandal