Ricky Martin officially admitted on his website on March 30 that he’s “…a fortunate homosexual man.” The singer, who achieved widespread fame during the 1990s after appearing on the ABC soap opera ‘General Hospital’ and by releasing the hit song ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca,’ posted a long statement clarifying the rumors that have long swirled about his sexuality.

After stepping out of the limelight in 2008 to raise his twins, which were delivered by a surrogate, Martin decided a few months ago to write his memoirs. He stated on his website that writing the book would help him publicly admit his sexuality.

Martin also stated that finally publicly admitting he is gay has a similar feeling that he gets when he’s performing on-stage. He said he gets filled with adrenaline, which is addictive, and a sense of freedom and enlightenment.

However, Martin also said that people around him have tried to discourage him from admitting his sexuality, as not everyone is ready to accept the truth, and everything he’s built in his career will be destroyed. But he added that “Allowing myself to be seduced by fear and insecurity became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sabotage. Today I take full responsibility for my decisions and my actions.”

Written by: Karen Benardello