Elton John Opens Up on Being Bullied as an Adult: "I Was the Perfect Candidate for It"

    If you thought bullying stops after high school, you're sadly mistaken.

    As the constant debate concerning the theatrical release of Bully continues, Elton John got candid with E! News' David Burtka during an exclusive interview recalling his own struggle with being bullied, even as an adult megastar.

    "It was about control and them being able to keep me under their thumb," he tells us. "And I was the perfect candidate for it. Even though I was famous and a big deal, it doesn't matter, it's who you are underneath that, and I was always kind of shy and intimidated."

    MORE: GCB Star Was Bullied for What?!




    As for the bullies, "Your insecurities are what drive you to do this. You need to consider your consequences. I'm sure underneath it, you're all very nice people. We've all made mistakes in our life—this is a good time now to correct your mistakes and help people."

    MORE: Wilmer Valderrama at Bully Premiere: "We Have to Tell Kids It's Ok to Speak Up"


    Elton John has been working closely with Lady Gaga on an anti-bullying campaign, and truly feels that this "cruel and disgusting" behavior can be stopped. But he's also preparing to deal with the possibility of his son, Zachary, coming into contact with a few bullies at school.

    "I know by being two same-sex parents that when my boy goes to school he's probably gonna have some people saying, 'Oh you don't have a mommy.'"

    If that should happen, Elton hopes that his "pride and joy" will do what he urges everyone else to do in this type of situation, and speak out.

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