Taylor Lautner’s almighty abs weren’t enough to keep hulking bullies at bay. The New Moon heartthrob wasn’t always a sensation with his fellow teens. Taylor, 17, says his high school days were soiled with whispers about his sexuality and persistent teasing from classmates.

“I was never extremely confident,” Taylor told Rolling Stone this week. “Because I was an actor, when I was in school there was a little bullying going on. Not physical bullying but people making fun of what I do … I just had to tell myself I can’t let this get to me. This is what I love to do. And I’m going to continue to do it.”

Lautner is reportedly dating country sensation Taylor Swift. Guess he showed them!