5th grader has a gay crush

My son is in the 5th grade and told me he liked someone today. I asked who and he said a boys name. I asked was that a boy or girl. He said boy and that he's so fun and wants to hang out with him all the time. Am I wrong for telling him not to tell his dad? His dad would lose it and is an abusive asshole that I'm forced to share custody with. I told him it's ok to have crushes but maybe keep this one from dad. I just don't want his dad to verbally abuse him. He's an awful person.

Edit: He's the one who used the word crush. Which is why I told him it's fine to have crushes. Just don't tell his dad. I don't think he really understands romantic crushes but I'm not gonna invalidate his feelings. If it's a crush to him then ok.