Lady Gaga, Laverne Cox, Ellen DeGeneres and Miley Cyrus offer support as Bruce Jenner confirms he's transitioning into a woman

  • Not all comments were positive as Wendy Williams and Kirstie Alley made remarks against Bruce's decision

Bruce Jenner finally confirmed his gender transition with ABC correspondent Diane Sawyer on Friday.

And Hollywood celebrities expressed their heartfelt support to the 65-year-old reality star's decision after Bruce revealed: 'Yes, I am a woman.'

Lady Gaga, Laverne Cox and Ellen DeGeneres were some of the famous faces lending their well wishes to the father-of-six and stepfather-of-four. 

And Miley Cyrus summed up the general feeling on social media on Friday evening by tweeting: 'I LOVE Bruce Jenner!'

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Tell his truth: Bruce Jenner  finally confirmed his transition into a woman during his interview with ABC correspondent Diane Sawyer in a tell-all 20/20 special on Friday

Tell his truth: Bruce Jenner finally confirmed his transition into a woman during his interview with ABC correspondent Diane Sawyer in a tell-all 20/20 special on Friday

Speculation of Bruce's transition into a woman has been headline-making news starting in August 2014. And on Friday, the rumours were put to rest.

While many fans and followers of the former Olympic gold medalist tuned into the highly-anticipated tell-all, Bruce's family, celebrity friends and supporters were watching as well. 

Transgender actress Laverne Cox congratulated Bruce on his decision.

'Sending lots of love and support to #BruceJenner and their family tonight. It is always brave to stand in one's truth. Congrats darling,' the Orange Is The New Black star tweeted on Friday.

Laverne - who became the first openly transgender person on the cover of Time magazine - has emerged as a public leader of the trans movement.

Letting his hair down: The 65-year-old undid did ponytail to let his tresses down around his shoulders in order to get into a more comfortable mood

Letting his hair down: The 65-year-old undid did ponytail to let his tresses down around his shoulders in order to get into a more comfortable mood

Kim Kardashian: 'Love is the courage to live the truest, best version of yourself. Bruce is love. I love you Bruce #ProudDaughter'

Kim Kardashian: 'Love is the courage to live the truest, best version of yourself. Bruce is love. I love you Bruce #ProudDaughter'

Laverne Cox: 'Sending lots of love and support to #BruceJenner and their family tonight. It is always brave to stand in one's truth. Congrats darling'

Laverne Cox: 'Sending lots of love and support to #BruceJenner and their family tonight. It is always brave to stand in one's truth. Congrats darling'

Miley Cyrus: 'I LOVE Bruce Jenner!'

Miley Cyrus: 'I LOVE Bruce Jenner!'

'Never be embarrassed!' The Wrecking Ball singer applauded Bruce on 'educating people on trans terms'

'Never be embarrassed!' The Wrecking Ball singer applauded Bruce on 'educating people on trans terms'

Ellen DeGeneres: 'Bruce Jenner is a beautiful, brave human being. Sending him lots of love. He's saving lives and opening minds tonight'

Ellen DeGeneres: 'Bruce Jenner is a beautiful, brave human being. Sending him lots of love. He's saving lives and opening minds tonight'

Congratulating group: Laverne Cox and Ellen DeGeneres offered support after watching the tell-all 20/20 interview on Friday
Congratulating group: Laverne Cox and Ellen DeGeneres offered support after watching the tell-all 20/20 interview on Friday

Congratulating group: Laverne Cox and Ellen DeGeneres offered support after watching the tell-all 20/20 interview on Friday

HOW BRUCE JENNER'S FAMILY SHOWED SUPPORT ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

KRIS JENNER: 'Not only was I able to call him my husband for 25 years and father of my children, I am now able to call him my hero.' (She also lashed out out at Diane Sawyer for claiming she did not provide a comment to ABC on Bruce).

KIM KARDASHIAN: 'Love is the courage to live the truest, best version of yourself. Bruce is love. I love you Bruce. #ProudDaughter'

KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN: 'Couldn't be a more proud daughter. With courage and bravery, let's change the world. I am honored to stand by Bruce's side and support him.'

SCOTT DISICK: No public comment as yet. 

KHLOE KARDASHIAN: 'Just finished watching the #BruceJennerInterview with the family. Bruzer, I'm soooo proud of you! Dads really are heros'

ROB KARDASHIAN: 'You have always been a role model to me and now more than ever, I look up to you. LOVE YOU!'

KENDALL JENNER: 'I love you. so very proud of you, my hero.'

KYLIE JENNER: 'Understandingly, this has been very hard for me. You will hear what I have to say when I'm ready to but this isn't about me. I'm so proud of you, Dad. You are so brave. My beautiful Hero.'

BRANDON JENNER 'Proud son.' (Brandon and his wife Leah joined his siblings Burt, Brody and Casey on the Diane Sawyer interview, where they all voiced their support for Bruce.) 

'The interview is going to mean a lot to a lot of young people,' Girls star and creator Lena Dunham said to Hollywoodlife at the Variety's Power Of Women event in New York City on Thursday.

'I think it's an incredibly powerful and brave move to disclose anything about your gender identity or sexuality in such a judgmental society,' she continued.

Further sharing in a separate interview with Extra: 'I love him, her, whatever they may choose to be, whatever adjective they choose to describe themselves, and I think that the jokes about Bruce Jenner reveal such a high level of transphobia in our culture that we really need to work to move past.'

Following in support of Bruce is legendary singer and openly gay star Elton John.

'It's an incredibly brave thing to do, especially when you're older. I admire him for doing it and I support him 100 percent,' he recently shared.

Cara Delevinge: 'Bruce Jenner is one (sic) the bravest humans out there'

Cara Delevinge: 'Bruce Jenner is one (sic) the bravest humans out there'

Sam Smith: 'Absolutely flawed at how courageous and brave Bruce Jenner is'

Sam Smith: 'Absolutely flawed at how courageous and brave Bruce Jenner is'

Jimmy Fallon: 'One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. #BruceJenner #Brave'

Jimmy Fallon: 'One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. #BruceJenner #Brave'

Andy Cohen: 'Bruce will change so many people's lives'

Andy Cohen: 'Bruce will change so many people's lives'

Bruce revealed he is a conservative: The Bravo exec  tweeted this on Friday

Bruce revealed he is a conservative: The Bravo exec tweeted this on Friday

Larry King: 'Had amazing talk with Olympian Rafer Johnson this week, who fully supports his fellow gold medal decathlon winner #BruceJenner & so do I'

Larry King: 'Had amazing talk with Olympian Rafer Johnson this week, who fully supports his fellow gold medal decathlon winner #BruceJenner & so do I'

Lena Dunham: 'The bravery it takes to face an often unforgiving public and speak openly about your identity is stunning and to be celebrated'

Lena Dunham: 'The bravery it takes to face an often unforgiving public and speak openly about your identity is stunning and to be celebrated'

Celebrity support: Lena Dunham and Elton John expressed their well wishes for Bruce
Celebrity support: Lena Dunham and Elton John expressed their well wishes for Bruce

Celebrity support: Lena and Elton John expressed their well wishes for Bruce

The godmother to his son Elijah and LGBTQ activist Lady Gaga also chimed in.

'I pray this Sawyer/Jenner interview will be met with compassion. This is an important world issue. #BeBraveEnoughToBeKind,' she tweeted on Thursday.

'We have the chance to write this moment in history together. Let's empower people like Bruce all over the world by being loving & not mean.' 

Oprah Winfrey: '"All of us deserve the right to be loved for who we are" Bravo #BruceJenner'

Oprah Winfrey: '"All of us deserve the right to be loved for who we are" Bravo #BruceJenner'

Ariana Grande: 'Bruce Jenner is beautiful'

Ariana Grande: 'Bruce Jenner is beautiful'

Kris' close friend Faye Resnick: 'I love the courage, honesty and light #BruceJenner is sharing with the world'

Kris' close friend Faye Resnick: 'I love the courage, honesty and light #BruceJenner is sharing with the world'

Bethenny Frankel: 'I admire the courage, openness & honesty. Apply these lessons to our lives. Be kind, loving & accepting. We support you'

Bethenny Frankel: 'I admire the courage, openness & honesty. Apply these lessons to our lives. Be kind, loving & accepting. We support you'

Evan Rachel Wood: 'Standing ovation'

Evan Rachel Wood: 'Standing ovation'

Billie Jean King: 'We learn from you to be courageous, funny and to be our authentic self. With love and Go For It!'

Billie Jean King: 'We learn from you to be courageous, funny and to be our authentic self. With love and Go For It!'

Brandi Glanville: 'Let's spread this #[heart]'

Brandi Glanville: 'Let's spread this #[heart]'

Lady Gaga prays: 'I pray this Sawyer/Jenner interview will be met with compassion. This is an important world issue. #BeBraveEnoughToBeKind'

Lady Gaga prays: 'I pray this Sawyer/Jenner interview will be met with compassion. This is an important world issue. #BeBraveEnoughToBeKind'

BRUCE JENNER'S GENDER TRANSITION TIMELINE 

January 2012: Ellen Pierson, who married Kris Jenner's ex-husband Robert Kardashian, claimed Bruce had been a cross-dresser 'for years.' She claimed his first wife Chrystie Crownover told her he had a penchant for women's clothing, shoes and lingerie.

That same month Star magazine alleged that Kris was unfazed by her husband's odd habit and that he continued to cross-dress for years after their 1991 wedding.

January 2014: The Olympic gold medalist reportedly underwent a laryngeal shave to flatted his Adam's Apple.

May 2014: Bruce refused to cut his long hair for Kim Kardashian's wedding to Kanye West, despite pressure from the bride and his estranged wife Kris Jenner. 

August 2014: Photos appeared to show Bruce had breasts, sparking rumors he was having hormone therapy as he explored the idea of transitioning from male to female.

September 2014: As his divorce from Kris was being finalized, Bruce had started growing out his hair and shaving his legs.

November 2014: He was spotted on various occasions wearing nail polish, a sports bra and Spanx.

December 2014: Bruce's first wife Chrystie Scott (nee Crownover) spoke out publicly in support of her former husband, saying 'I just want him to be happy.'

January 2015: When asked about her step-father's changing appearance, Kim Kardashian said he was on a 'journey' and added: 'He'll share whenever the time is right.' 

February 2015: TMZ reported that Bruce told his family that he has known he was meant to be a female since the age of five.

March 2015: People magazine claims his ex-wives Chrystie Crownover and Linda Thompson knew how he felt and both were supportive.

The same month he had rhinoplasty to give himself a more feminine nose.(This followed years of surgical procedures which began with a face-lift in the 1980s.)

March 31: It was claimed he'd had breast implants. 

April 6: ABC News announced that Bruce would do an 'far-ranging' interview with Diane Sawyer.

April 24 : A report claimed Bruce began the transgender process in 1980s, then stopped after meeting Kris Jenner.

Kim Kardashian broke her silence while attending an event in New York City and confirmed she and the rest of the Kardashian-Jenner family will be sitting down together to watch Bruce's interview on Friday night.

Just hours before the TV interview was set to air, Bruce's second wife Linda Thompson tweeted a message of support describing her ex-husband as 'a champion for those who share the struggle to just be who they are.'

But regardless, Whoopi Goldberg applauded Bruce's bravery.

'This is a huge thing, I'm so proud of Bruce, I'm so proud of him,' the View moderator said. 

'This is going to be a little bit of a game changer for people, and dealing with family and how people feel and having those conversations, this is going to be much bigger than ABC or Diane (Sawyer).'

Actor Jeffrey Tambor - who plays a transgender female on the Amazon drama Transparent - celebrated Bruce's decision to express his true self.

Scout Willis: 'I am so unbelievably (sic) out here for Bruce Jenner. For Her'

Scout Willis: 'I am so unbelievably (sic) out here for Bruce Jenner. For Her'

Russell Simmons: 'We are witnessing history. This is beautiful to watch #BruceJennerABC'

Russell Simmons: 'We are witnessing history. This is beautiful to watch #BruceJennerABC'

Rob Lowe: 'I was proud of Bruce Jenner in Montreal and I'm proud of him tonight. Some have to fight more than the rest of us for their happiness'

Debra Messing: 'Bruce Jenner - An American Hero yet again'

Debra Messing: 'Bruce Jenner - An American Hero yet again'

Ricky Martin: 'Thank you Bruce Jenner. Your testimony will make this world a better place. You are saving lives!'

Ricky Martin: 'Thank you Bruce Jenner. Your testimony will make this world a better place. You are saving lives!'

Yolanda Foster: 'Have a open mind and a open heart... Bravo to Bruce for sharing and daring to live a authentic LIFE (sic)'

Yolanda Foster: 'Have a open mind and a open heart... Bravo to Bruce for sharing and daring to live a authentic LIFE (sic)'

Mario Lopez: 'Bruce Jenner only confirms we're all battling something. So let's love each other & ourselves. God wants us to show respect & not judge'

Mario Lopez: 'Bruce Jenner only confirms we're all battling something. So let's love each other & ourselves. God wants us to show respect & not judge'

Ashley Tisdale: '#brucejenner is so brave and I love that he's finally happy with being himself #gobruce'

Ashley Tisdale: '#brucejenner is so brave and I love that he's finally happy with being himself #gobruce'

'Any movement toward authenticity is an important movement and everyone can relate to it,' he said at the Time 100 gala in NYC on Thursday.

'Trans people have been around forever, but trans people are just now just finally getting their chance to be seen and to be heard and have their stories told with respect and dignity and love,' added the show’s executive producer Jill Soloway, who created the program based on the true story of her father.

Friend and longtime fan Donald Trump commented: 'You know, I remember Bruce when he was a great Olympian, and he was the most handsome guy, I don't know what went on, what’s going on, he’s such a good person, he’s really a nice guy.

'It's very sad because he doesn't seem very happy, and maybe whatever he’s going to be doing will make him happy. If he's happy, I'm happy,' he added.

Rosie O'Donnell: 'Bruce Jenner - just beautiful in every way - thank u for ur courage #inspiring'

Rosie O'Donnell: 'Bruce Jenner - just beautiful in every way - thank u for ur courage #inspiring'

Busy Philipps: 'Well done, Bruce Jenner!'

Busy Philipps: 'Well done, Bruce Jenner!'

LeAnn Rimes: 'Such bravery'

LeAnn Rimes: 'Such bravery'

Abigail Breslin: 'Just saw the Bruce Jenner interview and it proved that the most important thing that defines us is love'

Abigail Breslin: 'Just saw the Bruce Jenner interview and it proved that the most important thing that defines us is love'

Margaret Cho: 'I'm so proud of Bruce Jenner - now you see the true Olympian!'

Margaret Cho: 'I'm so proud of Bruce Jenner - now you see the true Olympian!'

Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi: 'No comment from kris?'

Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi: 'No comment from kris?'

Last but not certainly least, Dr Phil McGraw expressed his support for Bruce telling Extra: 'First off, what a courageous man we’re talking about here, because think about how difficult a choice this is to make against all the judgment out there, but to do it when you’re so much in the public eye, but you have to have the courage to do that and I applaud that.

'I’ve talked to so many people that have done this in the past, and what pain and misery they’ve been through living authentically, and I just wish for him nothing but the best, and I wish for him that he’d have done it a long time ago.'

Larry King recently talked to Bruce's fellow decathlon star Rafer Johnson: 'Had amazing talk with Olympian Rafer Johnson this week, who fully supports his fellow gold medal decathlon winner #BruceJenner & so do I.' 

Trans model and activist Geena Rocero praised Bruce's expected coming out, telling Paper magazine that the reality star will help other tremendously.

David Spade: 'So far I like Bruce Jenner more than all of the Kardashians combined'

David Spade: 'So far I like Bruce Jenner more than all of the Kardashians combined'

Howard Stern said: 'Bruce, you're a large lady. Don't wear stripes, especially horizontal stripes'

Howard Stern said: 'Bruce, you're a large lady. Don't wear stripes, especially horizontal stripes'

Lean on me: Whoopi Goldberg and Jeffrey Tambor applauded Bruce for his bravery
Lean on me: Whoopi Goldberg and Jeffrey Tambor applauded Bruce for his bravery

Lean on me: Whoopi Goldberg and Jeffrey Tambor applauded Bruce for his bravery 

'Lives will be saved': Trans model and activist Geena Rocero praised Bruce's expected coming out, telling Paper magazine that the reality star will help other tremendously (pictured 2014 GLAAD Media Awards in May 2014)

'Lives will be saved': Trans model and activist Geena Rocero praised Bruce's expected coming out, telling Paper magazine that the reality star will help other tremendously (pictured 2014 GLAAD Media Awards in May 2014)

More star support: Donald Trump and Dr Phil McGraw expressed their support in separate interviews
More star support: Donald Trump and Dr Phil McGraw expressed their support in separate interviews

More star support: Donald Trump and Dr Phil McGraw expressed their support in separate interviews 

'Because of Bruce Jenner's courage, lives will be saved,' she explained.

'So far, I think it's amazing how much visibility it's bringing, and will continue to bring. I think the media is getting better and better, every month, every year, at having a stronger and more empowered conversation about the transgender experience.

'For so long, the trans community has lived in the shadows. So be proud. And know how grateful the rest of us are.'

The Kardashian-Jenner family - Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, Kendall, Kylie  and Kris - watched the 20/20 interview with Bruce at his Malibu estate.

Meanwhile, her toyboy Corey Gamble took to his Instagram account to share a selfie of him and Kris with the caption: 'Luv this 1 to furthest galaxy & back... Proud of my babe... #sheISaTrueSymbolofStrength @krisjenner.'

'Luv this 1 to furthest galaxy & back': Kris Jenner's toyboy Corey Gamble supported his beloved with an Instagram selfie

'Luv this 1 to furthest galaxy & back': Kris Jenner's toyboy Corey Gamble supported his beloved with an Instagram selfie

Following the Bruce Jenner special, actress Kirstie Alley called the interview to be 'absurd.'

She has since deleted the tweet off of her Twitter page which originally read: 'Trying to find a place for myself midst a world that has mistaken bravery for insanity... Mandela was brave... the rest of this s**t is absurd.'

Before the interview aired, daytime talk show host Wendy Williams called Bruce a 'fame wh**e.'

Williams added: 'I reached a point with Bruce that is that because I would know on Monday this is the biggest story and I have to watch. If this wasn't an obligation because of my career I wouldn't watch.'

Kim's second ex-husband Kris Humphries wrote a distasteful comment on his Twitter page.

'Man, I'm glad I got out when I did #Gottadoyou,' he  

Kirstie Alley: 'Trying to find a place for myself midst a world that has mistaken bravery for insanity... Mandela was brave... the rest of this s**t is absurd'

Kirstie Alley: 'Trying to find a place for myself midst a world that has mistaken bravery for insanity... Mandela was brave... the rest of this s**t is absurd'

Wendy Williams: The daytime talk show host called Bruce a 'fame wh**e' on Friday before the interview aired

Wendy Williams: The daytime talk show host called Bruce a 'fame wh**e' on Friday before the interview aired

Kris Humphries: 'Man, I'm glad I got out when I did #Gottadoyou'

Kris Humphries: 'Man, I'm glad I got out when I did #Gottadoyou'

HOW HOLLYWOOD REACTED TO BRUCE JENNER'S INTERVIEW 

LAVERNE COX: Sending lots of love and support to #BruceJenner and their family tonight. It is always brave to stand in one's truth. Congrats darling.

ROB LOWE: I was proud of Bruce Jenner in Montreal and I'm proud of him tonight. Some have to fight more than the rest of us for their happiness.

ELLEN DEGENERES: Bruce Jenner is a beautiful, brave human being. Sending him lots of love. He's saving lives and opening minds tonight.

MILEY CYRUS: I LOOOOVE LOOOVE LOOOVE Bruce Jenner!!!!!!!

LADY GAGA: #BruceJennerABC Now that is bravery. We have the chance to write this moment in history together. Let's empower people like Bruce all over the world by being loving & not mean

JIMMY FALLON: One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. #BruceJenner #Brave

LARRY KING: I've interviewed #BruceJenner many times, and I'm in his corner. I support him & offer my respect.

ANDY COHEN: Mazel Tov to #BruceJenner - very very brave!!!

ELTON JOHN It's an incredibly brave thing to do, especially when you're older. I admire him for doing it and I support him 100 percent.

DR PHIL McGRAW I am so happy for him. This is his body and his life, and he needs to do what he wants to do. It drains your spirit if you can't be yourself. He is freeing himself. 

LENA DUNHAM: I think it's an incredibly powerful and brave move to disclose anything about your gender identity or sexuality in such a judgmental society. The interview is going to mean a lot to a lot of young people. 

PATRICIA ARQUETTE: You have to be so brave to live this truth of who you are. And if Mrs. Jenner is transitioning, I give all my support to her and love and appreciate everything she’s given to America. She’s fighting a fight for a lot of kids that are being kicked out of their own homes. Society turns their back on these kids and it’s really brutal.

BOY GEORGE: I absolutely applaud what [Jenner’s] doing and I think it’s very brave. And it actually makes me quite emotional. [Jenner] has my 150 percent support in every way. I think that the whole transgender thing is the new frontier. 

WHOOPI GOLDBERG: This is going to be a little bit of a game changer for people, and dealing with family and how people feel and having those conversations, this is going to be much bigger than ABC or Diane (Sawyer),

JEFFREY TAMBOR: Any movement toward authenticity is an important movement and everyone can relate to it.

DONALD TRUMP: It's very sad because he doesn't seem very happy, and maybe whatever he’s going to be doing will make him happy. If he's happy, I'm happy. 

LARRY KING: 'Had amazing talk with Olympian Rafer Johnson this week, who fully supports his fellow gold medal decathlon winner #BruceJenner & so do I' 

WENDY WILLIAMS I feel duped by Bruce… I don’t feel duped because he’s turning into a woman. I feel duped because he’s the same fame whore as the rest of the family. Bruce has bigger fish to fry than turning into Belinda. He should have thought about [transitioning] before he had all the kids… Belinda, shame on you!  

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