REM's Stipe: I'm a 'queer artist'

LONDON, England -- REM singer Michael Stipe has ended years of speculation by admitting he is gay.

The 41-year-old American multi-millionaire told TIME magazine he had previously avoided questions about his sexuality, but was now happy discussing it.

He said: "I was being made to be a coward about it rather than someone who felt like it really was a very private thing."

The reclusive star now readily describes himself as a "queer artist."

Stipe told the magazine he had been "in a relationship with an amazing man" for about three years and that his partner was not a celebrity.

The revelation comes as REM, who have sold more than 80 million records in a 20-year career, are on a world tour to promote their new album, Reveal.

The band recently played at a concert in London to mark South Africa Freedom Day, which was attended by former South African President Nelson Mandela.

On the way to the concert REM guitarist Peter Buck allegedly got drunk and assaulted crew members on a British Airways flight.

Buck was charged over the alleged air rage incident, for which he issued an apology, and is due to appear in court again on June 18.

Mandela rocks for freedom
April 29, 2001
REM star 'sorry' for plane incident
April 23, 2001

TIME interview with Michael Stipe
REM

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.