Will Young reveals fight against horrific homophobic abuse since becoming famous
Will Young has opened up about fighting against horrific homophobia since rising to fame.
The singer, who broke into the industry after appearing on Pop Idol, told the i that he has had multiple run ins with homophobes.
The 38-year-old explained that he had been victim to anti-gay language, as well as gang violence and threats with weapons.
He said: “I’ve had to run away from knife threats, hide in shops. I’ve also taken people on.”
Recounting a time that a gang of men in Oxford hurled abuse at him, Young said that he other people fought back against the homophobes.
“The whole of the street turned against them and I think that was a palpable sign of how it’s simply not tolerated now.”
The star believes that part of increasing tolerance is to continue the fight for acceptance with education.
“People [who bully] just need to be educated, they don’t need to be punished,” he explained.
Young recently revealed an awkward Grindr story after his X-rated pictures were allegedly leaked.
The pop star had used a real photo of himself on the app as he decided to start dating again after being celibate for two years.
However, many were in disbelief that it was actually the star and Grindr removed the profile as it was flagged as fake.
Earlier this year Young revealed that he was “amazed” pictures of his penis had not yet made it online.
Shortly after the comments, the supposed pictures appeared online but Young did not clarify whether they were his or not,
He has spoken about his addiction to “porn and alcohol” and said that “shame” had led him to have serious issues with the vices.
A plot by record label bosses led to Young nearly kissing George Michael.
Young said that his bosses wanted him to recreate the famous moment when Madonna and Britney Spears smooched at the 2003 MTV awards.
However, he denied playing a part in the plot move because he was conscious of “people taking me as a gay man and bringing it just back to sex.”
