Ricky Martin Says He's Gay
Latin singing superstar Ricky Martin is coming clean about his sexuality.
"I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man," the 40-year-old star wrote on his offical Web site Monday. "I am very blessed to be who I am."
Buzz about the Puerto Rican star's sexual orientation has been the subject of gossip ever since he became a breakout sensation in the U.S. with his 1999 smash hit 'Livin' the Vida Loca."
That year, he told Rolling Stone magazine that the gay rumors were "fantasy" but hedged full denial by saying, "You can think whatever you want. I know what I am, my beliefs, what I like and don't like."
According to his statement, which was written in Spanish and translated into English, his choice to come out was sparked by his decision to write his memoirs.
"Many people told me: "Ricky it's not important", "it's not worth it", "all the years you've worked and everything you've built will collapse",' he blogged. "I decided to move on with my life not sharing with the world my entire truth. 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.
In August 2008, Martin became the father of twin boys, Matteo and Valentino. The babies were delivered via gestational surrogacy.