Freddie Mercury had a heartfelt reason why he kept his sexuality and AIDS diagnosis away from the spotlight.
As one of the greatest rock bands in the world, Queen has earned an enormous amount of love and support from their fans all over the globe. Even after Mercury's death, the public continues to support the band and honor the late frontman's legacy.
Despite those positive feelings from everyone, the "We Will Rock You" singer previously had an "important reason" as to why he never revealed his sexuality.
Why Freddie Mercury Never Came Out of the Closet Revealed
According to Mercury's long-term PA and personal friend Peter Freestone, the late singer never talked about his private life when he was alive.
"When he left Garden Lodge, he accepted he was public property. The nearest to a disguise was dark glasses when he went shopping. When he went to bars, he was just himself," he said. "He was not ashamed of anything he did or anywhere he went. That was just Freddie."
He never hid his sexuality, per Freestone, but Mercury also did not share it to protect the Queen and its image.
He then compared Mercury's experience to Tom Daley's when he shared his sexuality, as the latter was constantly referenced in the press.
"Freddie knew as soon as it was out in public that is what would happen. That is what he didn't want and why he never spoke about it then," he went on.
Costume designer Diana Moseley also noted how happy and proud Mercury was of himself.
At the time of his death, he was with his lover, Jim Hutton. He previously dated Mary Austin, who he considered his wife despite what happened to them.
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Mercury only opened up about his health and sexuality a day before his death in 1991. He released in a statement through his publicist, Roxy Meades, that he was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 1986.
"I felt it correct to keep this information private in order to protect the privacy of those around me," he said. "However, the time has now come for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth, and I hope everyone will join with me, my doctors and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease."
He died at his Garden Lodge home 24 hours later.
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