Cliff Richard Sets The Record Straight
In his new autobiography Sir Cliff Richard writes that he’s “sick to death” of the media speculation around his sexuality and sets the record straight once and for all. “What business is it of anyone else’s what any of us are as individuals?” writes the 67 year old singer. “I don’t think my fans would care either way.”
But despite resenting the pressures from intrusive media, Cliff reveals in the book that he currently lives with a male companion – Father John McElynn, who is an American, and former Roman Catholic priest. They met seven years ago while Cliff was travelling in New York.
”[John] hadn’t any thought at the beginning of giving up the priesthood, but when it became clear he was thinking of the possibility, I suggested he might help me with some charitable projects,” writes Cliff in My Life, My Way. “That was seven years ago and our arrangement has worked out really well. John now spends most of his time looking after my properties, which means I don’t have to.”
He goes on to say, “John and I have over time struck up a close friendship. He has also become a companion, which is great because I don’t like living alone, even now.”
In the book Cliff talks about his past relationships with women and of how he almost got married twice, but realised that his commitment to both women fell short of the mark. He also asks the church to accept gay marriages, although it’s not something he necessarily wants for himself.
“People often make the mistake of thinking that only marriage equals happiness. I may suddenly meet someone and feel differently, but right now I am not sure marriage would enhance my happiness.”
Cliff, who is also a Christian, goes on to say, “In the end, I believe, people are going to be judged for what they are. It seems to me that commitment is the issue, and if anyone comes to me and says: ‘This is my partner – we are committed to each other,’ then I don’t care what their sexuality is. I’m not going to judge – I’ll leave that to God.”
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weathervain
said on the 6th Sep, 2008