Solange’s Son Julez Shuts Down ‘Misconceptions’ About His Personal Life: ‘Adults Were Calling Me Gay at 13’

Daniel Julez J. Smith Jr., the son of singer Solange Knowles, has recently addressed ongoing misconceptions about his sexuality, stemming from media speculation since his early teenage years. The 21-year-old model shared candid insights during a livestream on social media while responding to a question regarding the difficulties of being himself.

Julez, who was born in 2004, reflected on the “misconceptions” that have followed him throughout his life. He recounted an incident from his school years that marked the beginning of public scrutiny. The young model recalled how he became the subject of unfounded speculation when his mother posted a photo of him on social media at the age of 13, dressed as the rapper LL Cool J, in a striking red jumpsuit. This moment, he indicated, was pivotal in shaping his experience with media narratives.

“I can clearly remember being in seventh grade when my mum shared that picture,” Julez explained. “I had a girlfriend at the time, and I went to school only to be confronted by classmates showing me comments from adults online calling me gay.” He expressed dismay at being labelled as a “pretty boy” by some commenters and questioned the appropriateness of such judgments aimed at someone so young.

In recent years, Julez has made a name for himself within the fashion industry, featuring prominently on runways at prestigious events such as Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, and New York Fashion Week. Notably, his family, comprising mother Solange, aunt Beyoncé, and grandmother Tina Knowles, have been steadfast supporters, cheering him on from front row seats at his modelling debuts, including his first show for Luar’s Fall 2024 collection.

Solange, who was just 17 when she welcomed Julez with her ex-husband Daniel Smith, has often spoken about the challenges of parenting in a public eye. The couple divorced in 2007, but they have maintained a cooperative co-parenting relationship. In a past interview, Solange discussed the differences in their parenting styles, highlighting how such contrasts can provide a balanced upbringing for Julez.

“There are challenges,” she remarked, recalling her more stringent rules, such as a ban on video games and limiting television time. “He often comes home and tells me about his friends’ experiences, and I have to remind him to calm down,” she added with a touch of humour.

Despite the difficulties that celebrity status can bring, Solange expressed satisfaction with how they navigate their co-parenting responsibilities. She mentioned the value in providing Julez with varied perspectives from both parents, reflecting her commitment to ensuring he grows up in a well-rounded environment.

As Julez continues to establish his career, he remains focused on building an identity that transcends the labels assigned to him by the public. His willingness to confront misunderstandings about his personal life marks a significant step in taking control of his narrative amidst the chaos of fame.

As he has stepped onto the global stage as a model, Julez has also aimed to inspire others facing similar challenges. By addressing his experiences openly, he hopes to encourage acceptance and understanding in a society often quick to label and judge.

The young model’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion in the face of public scrutiny, while also emphasising the ongoing struggles many individuals encounter as they seek to affirm their identities in the light of pervasive media narratives.