A woman claiming to be Freddie Mercury’s “secret daughter” has spoken out for the first time, despite skepticism from the late singer’s close companions.
Upcoming biography Love, Freddie: Freddie Mercury’s Secret Life and Love, set to be released in September, includes claims that Mercury fathered a child in 1976 during an affair with a close friend’s wife. The book, co-authored by a 48-year-old woman referred to only as ‘B’, contains insights drawn from 17 handwritten diaries that Mercury shared with her shortly before his death in 1991.
When the book’s details were disclosed in May, several of Mercury’s closest friends expressed doubts about B’s assertions. Mary Austin, Mercury’s former girlfriend and confidante who lived with him at the time of B’s alleged birth, remarked, “Freddie was an open person, and I can’t imagine he would want to keep such a joyous event a secret from me or those closest to him. The idea that I am guardian of this secret is simply untrue. I have never known of any child or any diaries. If he had a child without me knowing, that would be astonishing.”
Queen guitarist Brian May took a neutral stance, while his wife, Anita Dobson, dismissed B’s claims as “fake news.”
Now, B has shared her feelings with the Daily Mail, expressing her devastation over Austin’s comments. “She hasn’t read the book, yet she speaks out. I don’t understand that,” she said.
B described her relationship with her father as “very close and loving,” saying he treated her “like a treasured possession.” “I didn’t want to share my dad with the world. After his passing, I had to deal with attacks against him and feel like he belonged to everyone,” she explained. “I mourned my dad while fans everywhere mourned Freddie. At just 15, it wasn’t easy. I had to grow up without him… For 30 years, I built my life and family without him. I needed him for just me and my family. How could I have spoken out earlier?”
Lesley-Ann Jones, co-authoring the book with B, has mentioned that they possess DNA evidence to support their claims. “Please be assured that verification has been obtained, with legal teams involved, but those details remain private,” she added.
Freddie Mercury passed away in 1991 at the age of 45 from bronchial pneumonia related to AIDS.
In other news about Queen, Brian May recently shared his concerns about his ability to play guitar again following a stroke last year. Additionally, last year, the band released a newly mixed and expanded reissue of their self-titled debut album from 1973.
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