Anderson Cooper’s ‘I’m Gay’ Announcement Draws Mixed Reactions on Twitter

When Anderson Cooper came out of the the closet on Monday, the Twittersphere immediately blew up in response: for better or worse, this kind of story is ready-made for the micro-blogging platform, where reaction ranged from high praise to viral snark to unprintable blather.

In a letter to Andrew Sullivan, Cooper announced: “The fact is, I’m gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn’t be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud,” he writes. “I have always been very open and honest about this part of my life with my friends, my family, and my colleagues. In a perfect world, I don’t think it’s anyone else’s business, but I do think there is value in standing up and being counted.”

Cooper’s coming-out reverberated throughout the realms of Hollywood, the media and comedy with a mixture of sobriety and humor. Weighing in, Neil Patrick Harris, who is openly gay, tweeted: “Good for you, @Anderson Cooper. You’re awesome.”

STORY: Anderson Cooper: ‘I’m Gay’

Actor Michael McKean wrote,  “Anderson Cooper helps us move ‘what shouldn’t matter’ closer to ‘what doesn’t matter,'” adding the hashtag #someday.

“So proud of you @andersoncooper. Always have been, always will be,” said Cooper’s friend Kelly Ripa, with whom he’s co-hosted Live With Kelly.

Quoting Cooper, actress-activist Mia Farrow posted: “In a perfect world, I don’t think it’s anyone else’s business.” And Marlee Matlin, actress and Celebrity Apprentice alum, followed suit with more quotable Cooper: “There is value in standing up & being counted.”

Meanwhile, Danny Zuker, executive producer of ABC’s Modern Family, used the news to make a crack at CNN for the news network’s botched reporting of Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Obamacare (CNN falsely reported otherwise).

“CNN still reporting Anderson Cooper is straight,” he quipped. (Copy that for New York Times public editor Arthur Brisbane, who digitally deadpanned: “CNN is reporting that Anderson Cooper is straight.”)

ESPN radio personality Colin Cowherd continued in the comedic vein, taking a potshot at Fox News’ Sean Hannity.

“After Anderson Cooper’s big announcement today, Sean Hannity just announced he’s ….. boring,” Cowherd tweeted.

Snarked comedy writer Chris Regan: “Anderson Cooper admits that he’s 97% chalk.” And this, from cartoonist Steve Murray of Canada’s National Post, “So hot all I can think about is turning on the AC (Andersoon Cooper).”

But the Cooper news was no laughing matter for TV writer Caprice Crane.

“I applaud Anderson Cooper for stepping out of his comfort zone to potentially comfort others. No jokes here,” she wrote.

Twitter: @ErinLCarlson

Email: erin.carlson@thr.com