http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hGiojKEwA0aeB2HDb-TtBSnkEXSQD9EOI27O0

By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY (AP) – 30 minutes ago

NEW YORK — Ricky Martin is no longer denying the rumors: He's confirming that he is gay.

In a statement posted via Twitter in both Spanish and English, Martin said: "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am."

For many, Monday's announcement will come as no surprise; the "Livin' La Vida Loca" singer's sexuality has been speculated about for years. But the Puerto Rican star, who got his start as a child in the teen group Menudo, never directly addressed it and was usually seen at events with beautiful women on his arm.

Martin, 38, said he decided to reveal the truth after working on his memoirs helped him realize that he had to be free with himself, and not keep any more secrets.

"From the moment I wrote the first phrase I was sure the book was the tool that was going to help me free myself from things I was carrying within me for a long time. Things that were too heavy for me to keep inside," he said. "Writing this account of my life, I got very close to my truth. And this is something worth celebrating."

Martin said one of the reasons why he kept his homosexuality hidden was because he was told by some that it would hurt his career. While his U.S. career peaked after the release of his 1999 self-titled English album, a multiplatinum success that included the hits "Livin' La Vida Loca" and "Shake Your Bon-Bon," he is still a hugely successful Latin artist.

"Because all this advice came from people who I love dearly, I decided to move on with my life not sharing with the world my entire truth," he said in his statement. "Allowing myself to be seduced by fear and insecurity became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sabotage. Today I take full responsibility for my decisions and my actions."

Martin, who is the father of two boys born via surrogate in 2008, said he couldn't continue to hide his sexuality now that he is a father: "Enough is enough. This has to change."

Martin's book is still a work in progress.

First Clay Aiken, then Sean Hayes, now Ricky Martin. As my mother said about Richard Chamberlain when he came out: "I think he was the last to know." :faint:

First Clay Aiken, then Sean Hayes, now Ricky Martin. As my mother said about Richard Chamberlain said: "I think he was the last to know." :faint:
You took the words right out of my mouth!! :lol:

And in other news, the sky is blue and grass is green.......;)

And in other news, the sky is blue and grass is green.......;)
Plus, at night it will get dark, and birds migrate south around wintertime, etc. ;)

I guess now we know what he meant by livin la vida loca!!!

Hey, I have friends who suspected this over 10 years ago!! :lol:

I thought he was an open gay for years...

I thought he was an open gay for years...


Naaaw....EVERY hetrosexual guy frolicks on the beach, exercising with his good guy friend.....wearing Speedos yet. ;)


Honestly - I WAS shocked at Richard Chamberlain! LOL Blew a few fantasies out the old window for this gal! lol

Well good for him. I wish all gays felt they could come out. The ones I know who are, seem to be so happy in their lives. And so they should be.

What took him 10 years? LOL


I guess when girls ask him otu he can say LIVIN LA VIDA NUNCA!

Ricky Martin may now want to change his song titles...

"He Bangs" is now the way to say it!

Ricky Martin may now want to change his song titles...

"He Bangs" is now the way to say it!
I KNEW someone was going to say that!! :eek: :crazy: :rofl:

it's interesting that he announced it at a time he wasn't releasing a record or album. don't know if his appeal or popularity has indeed waned.

a lot of artists do this, as they fear their careers will suffer as a result- yet you look at george michael, elton john, adam lambert to name and their careers have still flourished.

will the same be said for ricky martin? we shall see.

Well, Elton John and George Michael had hits both before and after coming out. Adam Lambert's career is too recent to make any real judgments, but Ricky Martin hasn't had a hit in YEARS - and neither has Lance Bass, for that matter. So I'm not sure if this will affect RM's career (or lack thereof) one way or other. We shall see!!!

Well, Elton John and George Michael had hits both before and after coming out. Adam Lambert's career is too recent to make any real judgments, but Ricky Martin hasn't had a hit in YEARS - and neither has Lance Bass, for that matter. So I'm not sure if this will affect RM's career (or lack thereof) one way or other. We shall see!!!

ricky martin's last hit was probably back in 2002 or something like that. but i agree, i think people are going to be wary of what he has planned next, hopefully music wise ,as opposed to his personal life.

i hate it though when the media always have to make a big deal whenever they report a celebrity who has decided to 'come out' in the news. so they're gay, lesbian, bi- so what? who cares if they choose to sleep with people of the same sex as them?

I'm sure former President Bush, who "danced" with Ricky Martin at his inauguration, is feeling rather awkward about now. ;) :lol:

I'm sure former President Bush, who "danced" with Ricky Martin at his inauguration, is feeling rather awkward about now. ;) :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol:

I already knew Ricky was gay because I have friends in the music business that told me many, many moons ago. I'm glad he finally came out. It took too long.

Ricky Martin has had an extremely successful and consistent career in Latin American countries though he has not released an album or toured since 2007 (both were VERY successful) because he decided to take time off to spend time with his sons. He is working on an English album that is going to be released either this year or next. I do think that this revelation will effect his career in the future especially in Latin America. I doubt he cares since he has left a legacy, is filthy rich, has a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, and has sold 60 million albums (an INSANE number). He also has two adorable sons.

I do think that the music industry is becoming a little more accepting these days. Adam Lambert is the first and only gay artist in history to have a song enter the top 10 of billboard and the radio has also been very supportive of hm and playing his songs.