Latest news with #FreddieMercury
News18
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Sir Brian May Of Queen Dismisses Claims That Freddie Mercury Had A Secret Daughter
Last Updated: Sir Brian May doubts claims that Freddie Mercury fathered a secret daughter. Biographer Lesley-Ann Jones insists she has DNA proof and Freddie's journals. Sir Brian May doesn't believe that his Queen bandmate Freddie Mercury has a secret daughter. A new biography has sensationally claimed that the late music icon fathered a child following an affair with a close friend's wife in 1976, with the revelation being kept a closely guarded secret amongst his inner circle – but Brian's wife Anita Dobson has revealed that the guitarist is unconvinced about the revelation. Recalling when she heard about the claims, Anita told the Daily Mirror newspaper: 'I went, 'What?'. I thought, 'No?'. I said to Brian, 'Do you know about this?'. He said, 'Do you believe this?'. The former EastEnders actress thinks that Freddie – who passed away in 1991 from AIDS complications – was too big a star for the secret to be kept under wraps for so long. Anita, 76, said, 'He's iconic. It seems inconceivable he would have a child with someone we don't know about. Where is she – step forward. If she exists." Biographer Lesley-Ann Jones, who has penned the book Love, Freddie, insists that she has DNA proof that the 48-year-old woman is the child of the Bohemian Rhapsody singer and claims that she has always known the identity of her famous father – even handing over 17 of his journals that were used in the writing of the biography. The book – which will be released in September – features a handwritten letter from the woman, known only as B. She wrote, 'Freddie Mercury was and is my father. We had a very close and loving relationship from the moment I was born and throughout the final 15 years of his life. Those who have been aware of my existence kept his greatest secret out of loyalty." Jones has hit back at those doubting the biography's claims and insists that the necessary research was conducted before publication. The writer said, 'To those 'demanding' to see proof of a DNA test, rest assured the requisite verification was obtained, legal teams have been involved." She added, 'To those insisting Freddie's diaries were faked with AI, that his daughter 'doesn't exist': wait and see." Jones explained that her 'instinct was to doubt everything" when she was first contacted by Freddie's daughter – who lives in Europe and works as a medical professional – but is certain that the woman is telling the truth. She told the Daily Mail newspaper, 'My instinct was to doubt everything, but I am absolutely sure she is not a fantasist." First Published:
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sir Brian May doesn't believe claims that Queen bandmate Freddie Mercury had a secret lovechild
Sir Brian May doesn't believe that his Queen bandmate Freddie Mercury has a secret daughter. A new biography has sensationally claimed that the late music icon fathered a child following an affair with a close friend's wife in 1976 - with the revelation being kept a closely guarded secret amongst his inner circle - but Brian's wife Anita Dobson has revealed that the guitarist is unconvinced about the revelation. Recalling when she heard about the claims, Anita told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I went, 'What?'. I thought, 'No?'. I said to Brian, 'Do you know about this?'. He said, 'Do you believe this?'. The former EastEnders actress thinks that Freddie - who passed away in 1991 from AIDS complications - was too big a star for the secret to be kept under wraps for so long. Anita, 76, said: "He's iconic. It seems inconceivable he would have a child with someone we don't know about. Where is she - step forward. If she exists." Biographer Lesley-Ann Jones, who has penned the book Love, Freddie, insists that she has DNA proof that the 48-year-old woman is the child of the Bohemian Rhapsody singer and claims that she has always known the identity of her famous father - even handing over 17 of his journals that were used in the writing of the biography. The book - which will be released in September - features a handwritten letter from the woman, known only as B. She wrote: "Freddie Mercury was and is my father. We had a very close and loving relationship from the moment I was born and throughout the final 15 years of his life. Those who have been aware of my existence kept his greatest secret out of loyalty." Jones has hit back at those doubting the biography's claims and insists that the necessary research was conducted before publication. The writer said: "To those 'demanding' to see proof of a DNA test, rest assured the requisite verification was obtained, legal teams have been involved." She added: "To those insisting Freddie's diaries were faked with AI, that his daughter 'doesn't exist': wait and see." Jones explained that her "instinct was to doubt everything" when she was first contacted by Freddie's daughter - who lives in Europe and works as a medical professional - but is certain that the woman is telling the truth. She told the Daily Mail newspaper: "My instinct was to doubt everything, but I am absolutely sure she is not a fantasist."
Irish Examiner
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Ibiza: In search of sun and simplicity in a dance-music destination
A deep and distant thud, thud, thud drowns out the delicate washing of the sea against the shore. The glowing evening sun feels close as super yachts and boatloads of stag parties sail across the horizon like a noisy eclipse. I've been in Ibiza for a few days, yet it's only now, on my last night here, that I'm seeing its infamous party side in San Antonio for the first time. I'm woefully underdressed and sporting too much of a farmer's tan to be mistaken for a clubber or influencer, but I'm quite happy to be the odd one out. I came here to slow down and recharge in the mythical, quieter parts of Ibiza that are rumoured to exist. Depending on who you ask, you'll get different answers as to what Ibiza is like. It's a small island, smaller in fact than Co Louth, that can be crossed in an hour by car, but it has very clearly defined regions and personalities. The glam of recent decades has covered up Ibiza's arrival onto the tourist scene, when it was known as a haven for American hippies who were dodging the Vietnam War draft. Then came the clubbing era, thanks to famous nightclubs like Ocean and Pacha in Playa d'en Bossa in the South, while Freddie Mercury had his legendary 41st birthday in Pikes, near San Antonio, in the West. Ibiza Town is the largest urban area on the island, with roughly 50,000 inhabitants. It lies by the water on the east of the island, sandwiched between the marina and fortified, hillside structures of Old Town. Walking through the streets of Ibiza Town, I'm swarmed by groups of young people running in and out of the high street shops, picking up new outfits for their night out, but as I explore, I see the sandy stone of Old Town rise above me. Snaking laneways of shiny and slippery stones draw me up the inclines to tranquil courtyards lined with idyllic homes with views across the harbour. Enjoying a drink in Ibiza's Old Town Old Town is the historic heart of Ibiza. At its summit is Ibiza Castle, a fortified structure that has taken on many forms over the centuries and seen invasions by the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, Christians, and pirates. Wandering around the fortress, I can only imagine how difficult it was to breach these stout walls. Amongst all the history are glimpses of modern Ibiza. The Museum of Contemporary Art lies within the walls and celebrates the island's artistic past that bloomed in the 1960s with the arrival of the hippies — this museum, like all others on the island, is free to visitors. A warm glow fills the evening air and I follow the sound of chat and laughter to the lower parts of Old Town, where I find a seat on a terrace overlooking the water below. I've certainly slowed down since my first day here and as I sip on my glass of vermouth as the sun sets, I can feel myself unwinding. I find active holidays relaxing. I'm not one for sitting on the beach, I get restless, as if the day is being wasted, but once I've done something active, the chemicals in my brain balance out and I can relax. With that in mind, I decide to rent a bike and explore the coastal trails and gravel roads. I turn from the paved paths on the west coast of Ibiza and onto a dry gravel road that kicks up dust with every spin of the wheels. Sunset along the coast of Ibiza It's not long until I've left the sea behind and find myself in complete silence, surrounded by nothing but pine trees and the odd fig and olive tree. Areas along the coast in Ibiza are densely populated with high-rise buildings and hotels, but out here, people live dispersed in whitewashed buildings scattered across the foothills of the central mountains. Life feels like it moves slowly here, with days of endless sunshine allowing people to grow food in their gardens, relax in their hammocks, and read on their terraces. Despite the late spring heat, coastal breezes keep me comfortable as I pedal up the hilly landscape and bomb back down on empty gravel roads. SIMPLE CAN BE PERFECT Jacarandas in bloom in Santa Gertrudis MY ACTIVE itch has been scratched and now it's time to eat. Wanting to see more of the island, I make my way to Santa Gertrudis in the centre of the island — I've heard there's a place here that does the best Iberico jamon. The village is idyllic — a whitewashed church stands at one end of a cobbled street that's lined with jacarandas in full purple bloom and buzzing with people eating outdoors. There's a small queue outside Bar Costa, mainly of Spanish people from what I can tell, which is always a good sign. I'm ushered in, stoop below the legs of ham hanging from the ceiling, and step through the rear dining room that's a song of noise from families eating and drinking. Ordering the Iberico ham and a glass of wine, it dawns on me how straightforward Spanish food is; there are no marketing buzzwords or TikTok-trending dishes on the menu, just simple food, done well. As the ham melts in my mouth, I'm convinced that not only can simple be better, but simple can be perfect. As a new day begins, so does a new activity: this time I'm swapping the land for the sea on a kayaking trip along the coast from Es Figueral beach with Kayak Ibiza. The sea is surprisingly cold here, nowhere near as cold as Ireland, but enough to feel odd given the sun-drenched, parched landscapes around me. 'You know Ibiza has a party reputation, right?' Alex, my guide, asks rhetorically as we paddle out into the sea. 'This area that we're in was a busy smuggling route years ago.' He points to a rock face 100m away where there is an oddly-coloured patch in the rock, marking the entrance to a tunnel that smugglers used in the past. Thankfully, the waters here are more welcoming these days. Under the shimmering azure are meadows of Neptune's grass, a native seaweed that waves up to the surface and is home to a variety of sea life. 'Look below you, can you see it?' Alex's question isn't rhetorical this time. 'There's a ray right there!' I make out the shovel-shaped creature and watch as it billows and glides through the water. Back on dry land, it's time to eat, but I've had such a good day by the water, I decide to eat my dinner by the coast. Jamon iberico at S'illa des Bosc, Ibiza S'illa des Bosc requires a little bit of effort to get to as it's not in a town, but its location on top of a small cliff by the water makes it ideal for a sunset dinner. Dining al fresco is such a treat and I order the tuna tataki, which is gently seasoned and seared, leaving the centre raw yet roaring with flavour. Though it's a Japanese dish, it suits Spanish life well, elevating quality produce with minimal fuss or fanfare. Long after dark, the bill arrives with some 'hierbas ibicencas', an Ibizan version of limoncello made with local herbs. It's a sharp yet sweet palate cleanser and a great way to round off a day by the sea. It's the final morning of my trip and I can't get last night's aperitif out of my mind. Looking for somewhere to buy a bottle before my flight, I find Can Muson, a farm with a cafe where you can make your own hierbas ibicencas. I'm sold. Stepping through the gates, the farm unfurls like a verdant paradise. Sheep grazing in the Ibizan countryside Goats and sheep play in the fields, trees are heavy with fruit, and the outdoor tables are laden with colourful foods and drinks — I couldn't be further, mentally or physically, from the island's nightclub scene here. Hierbas ibicencas is made by putting whatever herbs are at hand into a glass bottle before adding some fruit and topping up with aniseed liqueur. Given the loose recipe, there's no set way to make the drink; mine contains orange leaf, lavender, thyme, and a bunch of other fragrant herbs. Putting the cork in the bottle and giving it a good smack shut, I know this is one souvenir that I'm keeping for myself. Ibiza wasn't at the top of my list when I was looking for a restful break away, but something drew me here and made me look beyond what the island is best known for and rewarded me with exactly what I needed. Cian was a guest of Ibiza Tourism Board and the Spanish Tourism Office. Escape Notes Ryanair operates a daily direct flight from Dublin to Ibiza with a flight time of 2 hours and 50 minutes. Be warned, you may be on a flight with people who have already started the party! Stay at the stylish and peaceful Hyde Hotel in Cala Llonga from €230/night and get direct access to the beach. This hotel is in a quiet area with restaurants and bars within walking distance, but you may need a car to get around as a taxi into Ibiza Town costs €30. Plan your own restful trip to Ibiza by visiting the Ibiza Tourism website
Telegraph
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Another Freddie Mercury rumour bites the dust
In the book, the woman, known only as B, said: 'Freddie Mercury was and is my father. We had a very close and loving relationship from the moment I was born and throughout the final 15 years of his life. 'He adored me and was devoted to me. The circumstances of my birth may seem, by most people's standards, unusual and even outrageous. That should come as no surprise. It never detracted from his commitment to love and look after me. He cherished me like a treasured possession.' Mercury's worth was estimated at £40 million when he died in 1991 of pneumonia resulting from Aids. Before his death, the singer was said to have given his daughter 17 volumes of detailed personal journals, which were estimated to include 555,000 words written across 15 years. Ms Jones said Mercury had instructed his daughter 'not to read the more graphic journals' until she turned 25. There have been no previous claims of Mercury fathering a child, according to the Mail. Jim Hutton, the singer's boyfriend, wrote about their experiences together, but made no mention of any children.
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Freddie Mercury's 'secret daughter' claims she has DNA proof
Fresh claims that Freddie Mercury has a secret daughter have been published in a new book, but have been questioned by his Queen bandmate, Brian May and his wife, actress Anita Dobson. Former EastEnders star Dobson has even challenged the woman making the claims to 'step forward' and make herself known, if this is true. Writer Lesley-Ann Jones, is the author who has made the astonishing claims in a new book entitled 'Love of my life', saying the flamboyant Queen star secretly fathered a child during an affair in 1976, and that she now has DNA evidence to back up her claims. Freddie Mercury. Pic: FG/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images Queen guitarist Brian May was said to have been stunned by the revelations, and his wife has admitted they're not convinced the story is true. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Dobson, 76, revealed her own shock after hearing that Freddie allegedly fathered a daughter in the 1970s – and said the news equally floored Brian. She told the publication 'I went 'what?' I thought no? And I said to Brian 'Do you know about this?' And he said: 'Do you believe this?' Anita Dobson and Brian May. Pic: Victoria Jones –The author, Lesley-Ann Jones, who has written several books on Freddie Mercury, says the 48-year-old woman – identified only as 'B' – is the result of a fling between Mercury and the wife of a close friend. She alleges the late singer kept in contact with his daughter and even gave her detailed personal journals before his death in 1991. But actress Anita is convinced that Freddie was too big a star for the news to have not leaked before. She said: 'There must be lots of people who have children that we don't know about. It's just because it's him. Because he's iconic. And the type of animal that he was, it seems inconceivable that he would have a child with someone we don't know about.' Freddie Mercury. Pic: Pete Still/Redferns Anita added: 'If he does have one where is she – step forward. If she exists. Maybe it is just more fake news.' The new biography, entitled 'Love Of My Life', claims Mercury shared the secret with his bandmates before he died – and that the woman now lives in Europe with a family of her own. In a handwritten letter included in the book, the woman writes: 'Freddie Mercury was and is my father. We had a very close and loving relationship from the moment I was born and throughout the final 15 years of his life'. 'He adored me and was devoted to me. The circumstances of my birth may seem, by most people's standards, unusual and even outrageous. That should come as no surprise. It never detracted from his commitment to love and look after me'. 'Those who have been aware of my existence kept his greatest secret out of loyalty to Freddie.' Mary Austin with Freddie Mercury in 1986. Pic:Mercury is known to have had a number of relationships with women, most notably Mary Austin, whom he was engaged to for a while, before he came out as gay. Though they did not have children together, Mary went on to have two sons with another partner, while remaining close to Mercury for the rest of his life.
