Ricky Martin Admits to Bullying Gay People When He Was a "Very Angry, Very Rebellious" Young Man

Father of two, who came out in 2010, says in September issue of GQ Australia that he "internalized homophobia" because he was "ashamed" of being gay

By Natalie Finn Aug 27, 2013 8:49 PMTags
Ricky Martin, GQ AustraliaMiguel Reveriego/GQ Australia

Looking good, Ricky Martin. And he may be feeling better, too, after opening up about a very conflicted, not-so-proud time in his life.

The Puerto Rican singer, who came out publicly in 2010, reveals in the September 2013 issue of GQ Australia that he used to bully gay people because he was in denial about who he was.

"I was very angry, very rebellious," Martin says, per News.com.au. "I used to look at gay men and think, I'm not like that, I don't want to be like that, that's not me. I was ashamed. When you're told you're wrong by everyone, from society, from your faith—my self-esteem was crushed. I took my anger out on those around me."

"I look back now and realize I would bully people who I knew were gay," he continues. "I had internalized homophobia. To realize that was confronting to me. I wanted to get away from that."

Now, asked by the mag about his crossover appeal (his fans are men, women, young, old, etc.), Martin, 41, says, "Why not? Why discriminate? I love everyone!"

Miguel Reveriego/GQ Australia

Martin chose to come out in a letter posted to his website, writing, "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."

He later told Oprah Winfrey that becoming a father—to twin boys, Matteo and Valentino, now 5—gave him the final push to go public.

"Before I decided to become a father, I already accepted who I was. I was happy with who I was," he said in November 2010. "When I held my children, I said, OK, it was time to tell the world."