(US Weekly) – He had millions of crazed, weeping female fans screaming his name in the late Eighties, but New Kid on the Block Jonathan Knight has an announcement: He’s gay.
The singer, who is about to hit the road with his boy band mates plus the Backstreet Boys, spoke up for himself after fellow Eighties icon Tiffany (and one-time girlfriend) accidentally revealed his sexuality during a live TV interview.
Explaining that he’s been out of the closet for two decades, Knight, 42, said in a statement (posted at
During an appearance on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live, “I Think We’re Alone Now” singer Tiffany dished that she and Jonathan dated back when she toured with the hugely popular group.
“[He] became gay later,” Tiffany joshed. “I didn’t do it. I had issues with that. I was thinking maybe I did. Now looking back when we were dating, he was so much fun. We used to do facials together. He was so easy to talk to.”
Adds Knight in his statement: “I love living my life being open and honest, but at this time I choose not to discuss my private life any further! My fellow band members don’t discuss their private lives with their loved ones and I don’t feel that just because I am gay, I should have to discuss mine!”