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Mika: I'm getting gay death threats
Last updated at 15:02pm on 23.03.07
Under fire: Mika is being pressured by his fans to reveal his sexuality
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Chart-topping singer Mika has revealed that he is getting death threats from fans - because he won't admit whether he is gay or not.
The 23-year-old singer, real name Mica Penniman, has told how he receives messages from people threatening to kill him over his sexuality.
Mika, who hails from Lebanon and shot to fame in January when his single Grace Kelly topped the charts - making him into an instant star - said: "I get hate messages all the time, a death threat.
"It was over whether I am gay or not. He wasn't happy that I won't talk about my personal life like that. Sometimes I think that I have made it, other times it is a bit worrying."
The star, who last month released his debut album, Life In Cartoon Motion, went to number one almost overnight. Like his single, it went straight to the top of the charts, and 500,000 copies have already shifted off the shelves.
Outgoing Mika's personality has had a lot to do with his success, but, he has so far refused to discuss his sexuality publicly. He recently said: "I never talk about anything to do with my sexuality, I don't think I need to. People ask me all the time.
"In order to survive I've shut up different parts of my life, and that's one of them, especially this early in my career, I don't really feel that it's necessary to know in terms of my music.
"Some people make records that are defined by their sexuality, but mine really are not. It does play a lot with campness. It has a theatricality to it. Why not? It's pop music.
"If you're 14-years-old and you're gay, well, just do whatever you want. I'm not confused and I don't have any barriers about the way I live my life. That's why I don't want to put it under the microscope."
Mika was the latest in a bunch of popettes who have burst onto the music scene courtesy of the internet. Like Arctic Monkeys, he leapt to fame through downloads.
He previously wrote inflight music for British Airways and performed at the Royal Opera House after training with a Russian opera professional.
Reader views (20)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
Whatever-gay or not gay, straight or in the middle, does it really matter?
The guy has an amazing voice and incredible creative talent with song writing and music production.
His vocal range reminds me of dear Farouk Balsara aka Freddie Mercury. I sure did not care that he was gay-he was incredible and sexy despite his sexual preference. It was just sad he did not take precautions/condom use and died of HIV/AIDs before his time.
RIP Freddie-Mika has the potential to carry on where you left off music wise though lacking the band member contributions you had to make you and Queen shine!
Rise AGAIN!
- Anastasia, southern Alberta
Well his singing certainly has nothing to do with his sexuality, but it would be interesting to know.
I don't think I would be able to stand the constant pressure and speculation. Why can't he just say "I'm gay" or "I'm straight" and get it over with? The talk about either one would die down eventually and he can move on with his life. Or at the very least stop with the infuriating "there's no point, etc.". There isn't any point, but he's the one who decided to become a pop star, and people want to know.
It'd also be really hard to date anyone under those circumstances.
- Jessica, Atlanta
I would be interested to know, but i dont care deep down if he doesn't want to tell us, why should he? Mika is amazing and people who threaten him wouldn't be allowed near him. Mika i love you'r music.
- Dale, England southend.
Dont let those losers bother you!!You dont need to share it if u dnt want to.
They're all bark & no bite! And besides if they're your fans then they wont hurt u! xx
- Ciara, Scoland
I think mika is hell cute and i dont care if his gay or not, i dnt care about the high pitched voice i love his songs they make me happy when im down. and they actully mean something its not like death music. good on you mika for keeping it to your self. thoose losers who are sending you death mail. dont worry about it they would be to scared to go near some one so awsome as you.
- Maddie, 13yrs Old, Adeliade
I don't care whether mika is gay or not, what does it matter anyway... his singing won't get any better or worse depending on if he is gay or not! I think (like most others) that he should just try and ignore all the horrible comments and keep on singing.
- Laura, England-Wigan
Keep your mouth shut about your sexuality or else! (my threat of the day lol j/k) but seriously, I'd really rather never know what sexuality he is, it has nothing to do with anything. All I care about is that he keeps himself well protected from the people who are threatening him!
- Don'T Wanna Know, Sydney, Australia
I think that Mika is a brilliant and talented singer and should keep up the fantastic work!
It doesn't matter about his sexuality think he should keep it to himself and ignore the immature losers. I actually think he's really cute whether he's gay or not. Good on him for keeping it private! His life not no one else's!
- Charmaine Dawson, Gamlingay, England
He's really good singer and nothing should stop him doing whatever he wants! also I agree with Olivia UK - good on him!
He's the best singer I ve heard in ages and it must be hard but ignore those people - its PERSONAL! and your life!
I think he's cute whether he's gay or not. Brilliant songs.
- Charmaine, UK
Good for him to keep it private. It's his life and nobody else's.
I don't really care if he's gay or not, he's an amazing singer. It just popped into my mind when it inexplicitly told me I thought he was cute. Even if he is, so what? Some people are gay, some people are straight. Death threats are very immature and pathetic. Some people just need a different hobby.
- Joanna Blagden, Blackpool, England
Mika is an inspirational and talented singer. A person's sexuality should not define the person. Really it comes down to whether you like his music or not. They should leave him alone, all he is doing is trying to spread his talent all over the world and give us great music to listen to. Mika Rules and Peace Out.
- Julie Tatnell, Queensland, Australia
His sexuality is a very personal thing. Good on him for keeping it private.
Great music too...
- Olivia, UK
I think Mika is exceptional. He has an amazing voice and he shares it with us because he wants to. He should be respected. His private life is private.
- Ash, France
Mika rocks! So what if he doesn't want to tell the whole world if he is a gay or not! Are they going to stop liking him if he is gay or something?
- Laura-Jayne, Scotland
Do straight people run round telling every one they are straight of course not so why do people demand to talk about Mika's sexuality?
Mika does not have to go round telling every one his sexuality. His music is great and I think he should be left alone to write more.
- Tom, England
His talent at singing is amazing, and his sexuality has nothing to do with his singing career. I just care about the music not his personal life!
- Chris, Warrington, England
I love to listen to Mika and I think that just because he's a celebrity does not mean that everybody has to know if hes gay or not. He's still human isn't he? John Barrowman may be okay with publicity with him being gay but that does no mean Mika has to. so
- Rhiannon, Falkirk Scotland
I like him and agree that his sexuality has nothing to do with his career, but there's really no point in denying it when 98% of people polled agreed that he was gay! Plus if he was straight, why not admit it? Unless he's ashamed of his sexuality. That's why many people are absolutely certain that he is gay!
- Ashley, Hammy, Scotland
Yea well done on him, and who cares if hes gay or not, he sings like a pro!
- Chrispy, Wales, Newport
Well done him for keeping his private life to himself - why is it that we feel the need to define a whole person by how they have sex?
- Claire, London
