Puerto Rican pop star Ricky Martin has announced he is gay, ending years of speculation over his sexuality.
Martin, who has sold more than 60 million albums, said in a statement on his website he was “proud to say” he was “a fortunate homosexual man”.
He added that he had kept his sexuality hidden because advisers had told him coming out could hurt his career.
Martin’s biggest hit is Livin’ La Vida Loca – a 1999 single that reached number one in more than 20 countries.