Lukas Gage Discusses Marriage To Chris Appleton on "Not Skinny But Not Fat" Podcast

Lukas Gage, known for his roles in "Euphoria" and "The White Lotus", and Chris Appleton, a prominent celebrity hairstylist to stars like Kim Kardashian, made headlines in April 2023 when they married in a lavish Las Vegas ceremony. The wedding, officiated by Kardashian and featuring a performance by Shania Twain, was broadcast widely and celebrated across social media, marking a significant moment for celebrity LGBTQ+ representation.

However, the romance was short-lived. By November 2023, just over six months after their wedding, Appleton filed for divorce citing "irreconcilable differences" in court documents. The separation and its aftermath quickly became a subject of public fascination and media scrutiny, with both Gage and Appleton facing intense private and public challenges.

In a recent interview on the "Not Skinny But Not Fat" podcast, Gage spoke openly about the emotional complexities of his marriage. He described the period as a "manic episode," emphasizing that he often did not recognize himself—nor did those closest to him—during the whirlwind romance.

"There was another part of me that I didn't recognize myself and everyone around me didn't recognize who I was," Gage stated, reflecting on how quickly events unfolded and the surreal experience of marrying on national television while donning a fur coat.

When asked if he regretted marrying in such a public way, Gage replied with humility and humor, "I have no regrets about getting married on television, but I don’t recognize that version of myself," indicating both acceptance and lessons learned from the experience.

Appleton, who has worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest names, also shared his perspective on the relationship’s end in a candid appearance on Jay Shetty’s podcast. He spoke about the overwhelming media attention and the deeply personal nature of his divorce, a level of scrutiny he had not experienced before.

Reflecting on his marriage to Gage, Appleton noted, "Moving fast doesn't always mean you're reckless... I went into it with an open heart, and I have no regrets about that. I don’t shame people for loving with an open heart".

Appleton further described the relationship as an opportunity for growth, stating, "Any relationship I’ve ever gone into, I’ve learned so much from it. I’ve learned what’s important to me in terms of boundaries, in terms of how I want to be loved, how I want to love, and that’s a beautiful thing because it means you’re always growing and evolving. Just because it’s not forever, doesn’t mean it didn’t mean something".

In addition to discussing the marriage and divorce, Appleton revealed his personal journey of coming out as gay to his children, sharing the emotional challenges and fears he faced. He described feeling like he had "failed as a dad" and recounted a period of severe mental health struggles, including a suicide attempt, before embracing and accepting his queer identity. "My whole life I was creating a person that everyone wanted to be around, but I knew I had to reveal the truth," Appleton reflected.

The public nature of Gage and Appleton’s relationship, wedding, and subsequent divorce places their personal experiences within a broader context of LGBTQ+ visibility and vulnerability. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, their story resonates as a powerful reminder that queer love, like all love, is complex and deeply human.

Their openness about identity, mental health, and personal growth challenges the stigma surrounding LGBTQ+ relationships and coming out. Appleton’s frank discussion of his struggles as a parent coming out to his children, and Gage’s willingness to share his feelings of lost identity, both contribute to a growing narrative of authenticity and self-acceptance in mainstream media.

Their story also highlights the unique pressures faced by LGBTQ+ celebrities, whose personal journeys are often dissected and broadcast to a global audience. The challenges of maintaining boundaries, navigating public opinion, and remaining true to oneself are amplified in such circumstances, making their candor especially meaningful for LGBTQ+ audiences seeking representation and relatability in public figures.

Both Gage and Appleton have indicated that their brief marriage, while tumultuous, served as a catalyst for deeper self-discovery. Gage’s remarks about not recognizing himself during the relationship reflect a broader journey towards understanding and accepting his own identity, while Appleton’s insights underscore the importance of growth and learning in every relationship.

Their willingness to speak openly about personal struggles, heartbreak, and resilience serves as a valuable contribution to conversations about LGBTQ+ well-being, mental health, and the ongoing quest for acceptance. By sharing their experiences, both men offer solidarity and hope to others navigating similar journeys, reinforcing the importance of community, compassion, and authenticity in all aspects of life.

As public conversations about queer love and identity continue to evolve, stories like Gage and Appleton’s play a critical role in fostering greater understanding, empathy, and visibility for all LGBTQ+ people.