Tonight:
4°c
Mika: I'm getting gay death threats
Updated 15:02pm on 23 Mar 2007Chart-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 (36)
just because fans love him, they all want to know more about him.
would you like a man like Adolf Hitler to sing a love song in a romantic movie or to act in Broadway as a catcher? how many people will admit they know nothing about their favorite stars and have no interests in the stars? if you're unwilling to know that stuff, how can you say you're the fan or your star?
Mika's a gay. at least his answer's so gay. A straight will not refuse to admit his orientation directly. why people can't see this?
- mika, usA, 29/10/2011 05:47
Report abuse
I love Mika's music and would love to see him in concert. if you want your sexuality to be something that is between you and the people you care about then i am okay with that. i dont think that stars should have to tell everyone everything about their personal lives. it degrades a person and in most stars it leads them to do things like brittany spears or some of the stars who have committed suicide. it sucks to have people on you all the time trying to get you to tell them everything about your life. If you want it a secret then the press and everyone else doesnt need to know. Its your thing. 
<3
- Genevieve, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, 15/06/2010 05:48
Report abuse
His songs are for fans. Knowing about his sexuality is about his personal life. Why do some people think they have to know every single thing about celebrities? They should keep their personal lives to themselves and we can just think about them in terms of what they're famous for.
- Emily, UK, 25/02/2010 19:31
Report abuse
He's a Musician, what has his sexuality got to do with anyone else? His music although a little a camp is not defined by his sexuality. People like his music regardless.
- Anonymous, UK, 13/02/2010 23:56
Report abuse
We Love you unconditionally!! and that includes my kids!! 
and hats off to you for not divulging anything which is completely irrelevant!!!!!
Personally I'm in absolute ore of you..your Music, your Voice without a doubt, You are a true ARTIST, and an exceptionally talented one at that!!!
- Kathleen, Nottingam, 08/02/2010 14:02
Report abuse
It doesn't matter about peoples' sexuality or not, Mika is still a great singer and i love him and i dream of meeting him in person one day!
People's sexuality can be whatever they like and i hate how people criticise people about their sexuality if theyr'e gay or a lesbian they can just deal with it, it's that person's choice and why would anyone care about people's sexuality????
People like that are just sad and should just get a life; i hate people like that; they just judge people on their sexuality.
Whatever sexuality you are Mika i'll always be there sticking up for you!
=D Mika's the best!
- Leila, Londo UK, 13/01/2010 15:33
Report abuse
The fact that he is gay doesn't bother me! I love him anyway, and I think this doesn't influence his job! Why are people so mean!? Meeting him is one of my dreams!
- Nair, V. N. Gaia, Portugal., 14/12/2009 22:40
Report abuse
Aww bless I don't care if he is gay i just love him music anyway why are people so determined to know if he is gay or not anyway?
- Colette, England, Portsmouth, 01/12/2009 16:08
Report abuse
i love mika but i dont care if he is gay.he is amazing.the only popstar who i love all his songs.mika is the best.i gona grow up doing music influenced by and hopefully i'll meet him some day.i would give anything to meet him.amazing.
- Thomas, london, 22/10/2009 19:01
Report abuse
I would hope he is gay. I find gay men.. sexy, in a gay way. So if he IS gay, it would just make me love him all the more. (:
- Natalie Brooks, London, England, 29/09/2009 20:29
Report abuse
I heard he was. Im dying inside. I LOOVE him
- Michele, Maryland, USA, 29/09/2009 03:17
Report abuse
FANS?!
i dont think fans would send DEATH THREATS?!
LOL.
i LOVE mika and i do not really care whether hes gay or not! They are his real fans - the ones supporting him!
I think hes AMAZING and his new songs (the boy who knew too much) are absolutly AMAZING?!
(L)
- Liv, Bolton - UK, 28/09/2009 20:17
Report abuse
I dont care whether he is gay or not at all!! HE IS FREAKING AWSOME!!! and hot! gay or not LOVE MIKA!
- Rachel, UK leeds, 22/09/2009 18:54
Report abuse
i don't care, i love his music and I think the truly fans too they shuold respect that and his private life.. we love Mika 
- Melanie, uk, 09/09/2009 23:45
Report abuse
Who cares if he's gay or straight, it's up 2 him. He should listen 2 his true fans not the others. WE LOVE YOU MIKA !!!!!! We also love your music !! My fave one is We Are Golden, not like i dont like your othes !!
- Leaah, Hull England, 06/08/2009 13:34
Report abuse
Mika is so amazing and who cares if he wants to tell us wither he likes guys or girls. I will always love his music and it will always make me happy!!! WE LOVE YOU MIKA!!! listen to your real fans and ingnore the stupid people...
- Christopher, Denver, Colorado. USA, 16/07/2009 14:49
Report abuse
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, 28/02/2009 06:40
Report abuse
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, 20/02/2009 23:15
Report abuse
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., 30/01/2009 23:50
Report abuse
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, 24/01/2009 23:39
Report abuse
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, 14/09/2008 10:05
Report abuse
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, 22/06/2008 21:34
Report abuse
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, 07/04/2008 07:42
Report abuse
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, 29/03/2008 12:56
Report abuse
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, 28/03/2008 20:30
Report abuse
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, 21/02/2008 13:30
Report abuse
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, 15/11/2007 07:11
Report abuse
His sexuality is a very personal thing. Good on him for keeping it private.
Great music too...
- Olivia, UK, 07/10/2007 08:31
Report abuse
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, 15/09/2007 16:53
Report abuse
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, 03/09/2007 22:17
Report abuse
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, 29/08/2007 23:51
Report abuse
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, 29/08/2007 22:51
Report abuse
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, 29/08/2007 22:51
Report abuse
Yea well done on him, and who cares if hes gay or not, he sings like a pro!
- Chrispy, Wales, Newport, 29/08/2007 22:51
Report abuse
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, 29/08/2007 22:51
Report abuse
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, 29/08/2007 22:51
Report abuse
