Reporter Saudy Rivera and Ricky Martin (courtesy TV Aqui)
Already the bloggers and entertainment sites this morning are irresponsibly pre-reporting that Ricky Martin is coming out as a bisexual guy in a yet-to-be published interview, but I have it from the horse's mouth that that's not exactly what he said.
This came from a Spanish-language magazine, TV Aqui, and reporter Saudy Rivera spent a lot of time with the super pop star singer. His sexuality and flamboyance have long been in question, even to the point of being joked about, and like a good journalist, she asked the question in a delicate way.
And of course, some of the pundits are already saying "so what?" Or, they are sticking with the long-held rumor that he's gay. Wouldn't it be great to someday have a celebrity come out as bisexual and nobody care?
Not depending on Perez Hilton and other pseudo-journalists, I went directly to Saudy, who is based in Puerto Rico, and asked if Ricky used the B-word.
"No, he didn't say that," she replied to me. "What he said was: "The heart of Ricky Martin... if it belong to a male or a female... I have never talked about it."
Her question was: "To whom belongs Ricky Martin's heart?"
Now that doesn't mean that the 37-year-old heartthrob won't come out at some time as bisexual, or even use the "bi-curious" label, like "American Idol" star Adam Lambert. Or, it could even mean that he's going to pull a wimpy Elton John "bisexual" label, or even be a closeted George Michael. Ricky already is going the way of Clay Aiken (having fathered twin boys through a surrogate.)
Who knows, but the reports of Ricky's out bi label are highly exaggerated.
Saudy's interview will be coming up soon in the magazine (for those of you who read Spanish), and she says, "Thanks for your concern in transmitting the correct information. It is the same policy we use in TVaqui. A tu orden y gracias—Saudy Rivera."
Believe me, I'd be the first person to want to herald Ricky Martin's use of the B-word, but for now, that's a bit premature.
(See the actual question on tape, in Spanish, below!)
* Ted Casablanca talks bisexual shenanigans among 'Twilight' cast
* Gay 'American Idol' runner-up Adam Lambert says he's 'bi-curious'
* Justin Timberlake hints of bi history in SNL spoof
* New book calls Paul Newman a bi guy, confirming secret affair with James Dean
* Married Fergie from Black Eyed Peas talks about her bisexuality
* Personal memories of widow of bisexual Sammy Davis Jr.
Comments
Hey Mike!
That's great that you got that insider, although I need to make sure that you know that I wasn't saying he came out. I was studying his steps in regards to his perception of his own sexuality and how now a simple comment could mean he is taking a step to, not come out (necessarily) but to address it maturely instead of fearing what is to happen if people think he is not straight.
I don't believe sexuality is important about an artist's career, but, IT IS important how it is a addressed, and I am content that without a moment of hesitation he said "duen~o o duen~a", which is something he didn't have to say.
Some could say he is using his words wisely, so that it means something. And wondering is never harmful,now is it? :)
Kudos on the report, I enjoyed the video.
I know how popular it is to not tell the truth because that is not what makes a story, but I appreciate someone actually doing their job and checking the facts. Kudos! I have written on this extensively on my blog
sarahlovesrickymartin24-7.blogspot
Congrats Mike... this is the first PROFESSIONAL writing I've read about this topic!! Great job!! XXX
There's something I've been picking up regarding Ricky Martin news, and Samuel has just cliched it for me.
"address it maturely instead of fearing what is to happen if people think he is not straight."
Are you kidding? Why be afraid of people believing he's not straight, when media coverage is mean-spirited towards him? Like on most English language blogs? He has a solid Spanish-language career, yet he's a punchline to Perez Hilton and similar blogs. People believe he's gay, but it's more than that- they say he's gay AND say so with mockery, even on gay blogs, which reeks of homophobia and internalized homophobia. ("Flamboyance"?)
Gay, straight or bi: why should he indulge the curiosity of those who actively mock him? It's clear by now he wants privacy. So why should he 'come out' to a bunch of hateful people who wish to 'shame him out of the closet'? So that they can pat themselves in the back and claim a step for 'equality'?
Screw that. If Martin wants privacy, let him h
I really must admit I admire you for being one of the little honest reporters we have left, I am a huge Ricky Martin fan, and from the moment I heard that news I knew someone must've changed something, they always do it. Except for you of course. If the world had this kind of periodism, the world would be a better place. I really admire your courage, your honesty. Don't change.
May God bless you. Namaste.
---
Nicole Bardales
AKA. Crazy4RickyMartin
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