Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.comPoor Tiffany thought she dragged him out of the closet, but now New Kids on the Block singer Jonathan Knight is saying he actually outed himself—a long, long time ago.
The former boy bander's sexual preference has been the subject of much chatter lately, after his fellow '80s singing sensation and girlfriend Tiffany told Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen that Knight "became gay later," after they dated and did facials together.
Knight had laughed it off on his Twitter page, but this weekend he made an "official" public announcement to NKOTB fans...
Knight, who says he was never hiding his sexuality, confirmed that he is gay on the New Kids on the Block official website, telling fans, "I have never been outed by anyone but myself!" (Only fan club members can view the post, but Towleroad has posted a screen capture.)
"I did so almost twenty years ago," he wrote. "I never knew that I would have to do it all over again publicly just because I reunited with NKOTB! I have lived my life very openly and have never hidden the fact I am gay!"
So no need for Tiffany, who tweeted an apology after the accidental "outing," to feel badly. And Knight says just because he didn't pose for the requisite "I am gay" magazine cover, it doesn't mean he hadn't been living openly as a gay man.
"My belief is that you live your life by example, not by a caption on a magazine! If there has ever been any confusion about my sexuality, then you are someone that doesn't even know me!"
Knight says that although he's been "open and honest," he won't be discussing his private life any further.