Brett Molina

news

A CNBC segment about gay CEOs turned awkward after one of the show's hosts seemingly outed Apple chief Tim Cook.

The segment on Squawk on the Street featured New York Times columnist Jim Stewart discussing his feature on John Browne, the former CEO of oil giant BP whose book, The Glass Closet: Why Coming Out Is Good For Business, details his life as a closeted executive.

Stewart notes reaching out to gay CEOs at several major companies, but receiving a "cool reception" because no one wanted to be identified.

"I think Tim Cook is fairly open about the fact that he is gay at the head of Apple, isn't he?" said co-host Simon Hobbs, causing an awkward silence. Hobbs quickly followed with "Oh dear, was that an error?"

Stewart refused to confirm Cook's sexuality. "I don't want to comment on anybody who might or might not be," he said. "I'm not going to out anybody."

Apple could not be reached immediately for comment.

Cook has never formally confirmed his sexuality, but tech site Re/code notes there has been much speculation about the Apple CEO's personal life.

Scroll down to watch the CNBC segment:

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.