Ricky Martin ‘hid’ many gay lovers from public for years
Ricky Martin at the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. (Rich Polk/Getty)
Ricky Martin has spoken out about homophobia in showbusiness, saying that “hid” many of his gay lovers for years.
Martin also discussed how he was inspired by fashion designer Gianni Versace coming out as gay.
The singer and actor portrays Antonio D’Amico, Versace’s partner of 15 years until his death, in FX’s American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace.
“[Versace] was being brave enough to come out of the closet and to introduce his partner in public. I tell you this and my heart sped up because I went through the same thing as a closeted gay man,” Martin told The Hollywood Reporter.
“Do you know how many lovers I had that I hid from the public that I did not allow anyone to see because I was afraid?”
He continued: “Gianni Versace went through the same thing as well and for me, that was a lesson. You have to be strong, you have to be brave, you have to be yourself and you have to be proud of who you are and not be afraid.”
The actor went on to discuss homophobia, and how he believed this contributed Versace’s death.
Martin added: “I was working with Ryan [Murphy], incredible directors, great writers and, of course, an incredible group of actors that were there with me at all times, so all I wanted was to talk on behalf of those that aren’t being heard.”
“Unfortunately, nowadays, we still deal with homophobia and I think it’s not how [Versace] died, it’s why we allowed it to happen.”
Ricky Martin (right) and his husband Jwan Yosef attend The 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards (Frazer Harrison/Getty)
Elsewhere in the interview, Martin talked about taking on the role as D’Amico, saying: “At this point in my life, I need to tell stories that make a difference.”
He went on to discuss working with the real-life D’Amico for the role, adding: “He was very generous and he would tell me everything that he was feeling.”
Ricky Martin has spoken out about homophobia. (Getty)
Ricky Martin recently said he hopes his children are gay.
The singer and actor came out after becoming a father to his twin sons, Matteo and Valentino, in 2008.
He has said their birth was a turning point, telling The Daily Show‘s host, Trevor Noah, earlier this year: “I had my kids, and then I said: ‘I have to come out – I mean, am I going to lie to these beautiful kids?’
