**Patti LaBelle Finally Reveals What Luther Vandross Confessed About His Boyfriend**
LaBelle revealed in an interview that Vandross was indeed gay, a fact he chose to keep hidden from the public eye for two primary reasons: his concern for his mother’s feelings and the fear of losing his largely female fan base. “We talked about it. He did not want his mother to be hurt,” LaBelle shared. Despite the era’s growing acceptance, the stigma around being an openly gay Black man, especially in the entertainment industry, was significant. Vandross feared the potential backlash and the impact it might have on his career and personal relationships.
The revelation was met with mixed reactions. Some appreciated LaBelle for confirming what was widely suspected, feeling it added a layer of understanding to Vandross’s music and the emotions he conveyed. Others, however, criticized her for discussing such a private matter posthumously, arguing that it was not her place to speak on Vandross’s behalf.
Luther Vandross’s struggle with his identity was not uncommon, especially during a time when being openly gay could severely affect one’s career. In a 2001 interview with Vibe, Vandross deflected questions about his s*xuality with humor, saying, “What do you want to know? Am I bis*xual? Yeah, I have houses in Beverly Hills and New York.” He acknowledged the price he paid for his privacy, admitting that he had never truly been in love, a sentiment echoed in the unreciprocated affections of his youth.
LaBelle’s outing of Vandross was not the first public hint at his s*xuality. In 2006, Bruce Vilanch, a friend and colleague, stated that Vandross had a long-term romantic relationship with a man in Los Angeles during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Michael Musto, a journalist, also claimed that Vandross was eager to find a boyfriend before his passing, suggesting it was an “inside show business open secret.”
The conversation about Vandross’s s*xuality inevitably led to discussions about his professional relationships, particularly with Clive Davis. Davis, an openly bis*xual music mogul, has faced rumors and allegations about his interactions with the artists he mentored, including Vandross. While there is no concrete evidence linking Davis to any inappropriate behavior with Vandross, the speculation persists, partly fueled by Davis’s admissions about his own s*xuality and relationships in his memoir.
Despite the controversies surrounding LaBelle’s revelations, they highlight the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the public eye, especially in previous decades. Vandross’s story is a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices many artists make and the societal pressures that influence their decisions. Whether LaBelle’s intentions were to honor her friend’s memory or to provide closure to his fans, her disclosure has undoubtedly sparked a broader conversation about identity, privacy, and the complexities of being a public figure.
In conclusion, Patti LaBelle’s revelations about Luther Vandross offer a glimpse into the private life of a beloved singer, highlighting the ongoing struggle for acceptance and understanding within the LGBTQ+ community. While the appropriateness of her disclosure is debated, it serves as a reminder of the personal challenges faced by many, regardless of their public success.
