Crumbl Cookies co-founder Sawyer Hemsley praised as he comes out as gay

The co-founder of thriving cookie business Crumbl has been praised for making an honest statement about his sexuality.

Sawyer Hemsley founded the sweet treat business alongside his cousin, Jason McGowan, in 2017 while attending Utah State University.

The aesthetic bakery has boomed in recent years, with over 1,000 Crumbl stores now operating across the US, 18 running in Canada and plans to expend even further with upcoming openings in Australia.

The brand's weekly changing menu of oversized, indulgent cookies - and other viral items like the Dubai chocolate brownie - captures audience attention, while celebrity collaborations, including the Kardashians and the Jonas Brothers, helped further propel Crumbl to an even higher status.

And while Hemsley often shares candid updates on both his personal and work lives on Instagram, he shared something major on Tuesday (August 26).

Following mounting speculation surrounding his sexuality, the 33-year-old came out as gay.

For months now, the entrepreneur was the subject of TikTok videos and Reddit posts picking apart his appearance, mannerisms and even his Instagram followings.

Taking to Instagram, Hemsley addressed the rumors in a lengthy statement, writing: "Over the past little while, there have been people online trying to define me, twist things, and share conversations in ways that feel harmful. Instead of letting others write my story, I want to share it in my own words."

He continued, in part: "The truth is, over the past few years I’ve come to understand and accept that I’m gay. It’s taken me a long time to really process this part of myself and even longer to feel comfortable enough to say it out loud.

"For most of my life, I didn’t have the clarity to answer the questions or respond to the rumors. Coming to terms with it has been overwhelming and, at times, scary - but it has also brought me peace, joy, and authenticity that I wouldn’t trade for anything."

Hemsley added that he 'grew up with values and beliefs' that he still deeply loves and respects, 'which made this journey more complicated'.

He concluded: "At the end of the day, I’m deeply thankful: for the opportunities I’ve had, for the people who support me, and for the chance to live and share my story. It’s a journey of growth and honesty, and one I’ll never stop being grateful for."

His comments were flooded with praise as fans applauded Hemsley for his grace.

"It must feel so good, glad you're living your authentic self," one said, as a second wrote: "This is brave!! Proud of you!"

A third agreed: "LOVE YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!! Brave! Classy! Respectable. You are the best."

Other social media users, however, were quick to condemn the speculation that led to his coming out.

One person commented: "Truly, the only person who deserved to hear your narrative is you, yet I applaud the integrity to shut down those who feel the need to whisper about you or your life. Good job, Sawyer."

Another added: "Shame on anyone forcing you to speak on this. It’s no one’s business but your own, but I applaud your bravery and how you handled this with such grace."

Over on X, formerly Twitter, somebody else said: "It’s disgusting and shameful that speculating about someone’s sexuality has become something to do for views on social media as a 'gotcha!' moment.

"If you are someone who publicly speculates about someone’s sexuality who hasn’t openly shared it, you are not an ally or safe person to LGBTQ+ people, many of whom haven’t shared their identity out of fear of retribution from loved ones, or worse.

"It is not okay to out people. Ever. Let people share their identity on their own terms. Sending love to [Hemsley]."

Hemsley is one of a few public figures who've felt the need to clarify their sexuality amid vicious online speculation, including Heartstopper's Kit Connor and Euphoria's Lukas Gage.