Ricky Martin Comes Out As A Gay Man

Ricky Martin pictured in 2009. INFDaily.com.

Read the key section of Ricky Martin's coming out statement.

While the bigger news flash might be that Ricky Martin was ever in the closet (we jest, we love the man), Ricky Martin made a huge announcement on his Web site late Monday. Martin talked about his need to make truth with the public about his identity and sexuality, saying, "Today is my day, this is my time, and this is my moment." Then, Ricky Martin came out as a gay man. We have Ricky Martin's statement.

Ricky Martin, the 38-year-old pop star who rose to fame as part of the Latin-American music scene in the 1980's with the boy band Menudo, has dodged speculation regarding his sexuality since the explosion of his solo career in 1990's. Despite his 14-year on-and-off relationship with Mexican TV host Rebecca de Alba, after his "Livin' la Vida Loca" single took off in 1999, Ricky Martin became a popular figure among gay audiences around the world. In December 2000 the British publication The Mirror asked Ricky Martin this: '"So what about all these rumors [of your sexuality]?"

Ricky Martin replied, "There's not a lot I can do about that. I guess these rumours were started by people who don't have a life, or perhaps it's because they want me to be like them and I'm not. I try not to pay attention to any of these allegations. I could have been married with kids for years or have 27 girlfriends, and if people still want to go around saying that I'm gay, they will."

Voted one of People Magazine's most beautiful people in the world in both their American and Spanish editions in the 2000's, Martin continued to answer inconclusively about his sexuality, saying that he found all people to be beautiful. Then, in August 2008, Ricky Martin became a father to twin sons via gestational surrogacy -- triggering even more questions about his relationships with women.

What triggered the following statement Ricky Martin's Web site was his March 29 Rolling Stone interview in which he stated the following: "...These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn't even know existed." And thus, Ricky Martin came out to the public about his homosexuality on his Web site. Here is a key section of the statement, which Martin reportedly posted in both Spanish and English (although at press time his Web site was down):

"These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn't even know existed.

What will happen from now on? It doesn't matter. I can only focus on what's happening to me in this moment. The word "happiness" takes on a new meaning for me as of today. It has been a very intense process. Every word that I write in this letter is born out of love, acceptance, detachment and real contentment. Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution.

I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am." RM

We applaud Ricky Martin's coming out. In other big celeb relationship news, read the latest on Sandra Bullock's divorce. Then check out our HUGE celeb photo section:
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