Martin ‘i’m Gay’

Singer RICKY MARTIN has finally confirmed the worst kept secret in pop - he’s gay.

The Livin’ La Vida Loca hitmaker has long been dogged by rumours he’s a homosexual but he has never ‘come out’ as a gay man - until now.

Ironically, he attempted to brush off speculation about his sexuality in a candid interview almost a decade ago, stating: “I am a modern man, live a full life, do not feel any barriers inside myself. If I were gay, why not admit it? I am a normal man. I love women and sex. I am a real hot-blooded Puerto Rican, but I have never been attracted by sex with a man.”

But Martin further fuelled the gay rumours in 2008 when he adopted twin baby boys, Matteo and Valentino, born to a surrogate mother.

And now the star has finally revealed all to fans in a post on his official website, confirming he is attracted to men.

He writes, “A few months ago I decided to write my memoirs, a project I knew was going to bring me closer to an amazing turning point in my life.

“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. Writing this account of my life, I got very close to my truth. And this is something worth celebrating.”

He reveals many close aides and friends advised him against revealing the “entire truth,” but he admits, “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.”

He adds, “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.”