Ricky Martin says: "I'm gay"

The Latino popstar is "proud" of who he is, after he revealed...

09:55 30 March 2010

Singer Ricky Martin has revealed he is gay.

Ending years of speculation about his sexuality, 'Livin' La Vida Loca' star Martin announced the revelation.

Writing on his official website, he said: "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate, homosexual man.

"I am very blessed to be who I am," he added.

The 38-year-old has previously alluded to being bi-sexual, but dodged direct questions, answering only he had "fear and insecurity" in his life.

However, following the birth of his twin sons Matteo and Valentino in August 2008 - who he had through a surrogate – and writing his memoirs, compelled the Puerto Rican popstar to reveal the truth about his sexuality.

He said: "To keep living as I did up until today would be to indirectly diminish the glow that my kids were born with. Enough is enough. This has to change.

"This was not supposed to happen five or 10 years ago, it is supposed to happen now. Today is my day, this is my time, and this is my moment."

The 'She Bangs' singer also revealed that he had hidden the truth because advisers had told him that coming out could damage his career.

Controversial gigs
Which stars put their
foot in their mouth?

He revealed: "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'."

"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.

"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."

But in his statement, Martin also insisted he is not worried about people's reaction to his announcement.

"What will happen from now on? It doesn't matter," he said

"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."

Ricky martin launched into the limelight in 1999 with global hit 'Livin' La Vida Loca', which reached Mo 1 in more than 20 countries.

He started his career in the 80s with Puerto Rican boyband, Menudo.