R&B singer and songwriter Ne-Yo channels Sanjaya Malakar—or perhaps actor Rodney Chester—to explain for the umpteenth time that he is not gay: He just really understands women.
Appearing in an interview at Straight.com—please stop laughing, it's the website of the Vancouver-based weekly The Georgia Straight—Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable" defends his sexuality against rampant "internet rumors."
"In not ever having to deal with anything like this before, I got mad," he explains. "But then Jay-Z broke it down for me, like, 'This is the music business. You gotta take the bad with the good. If you're doing something right, haters are going to come around, and they're not going to go anywhere. You gotta learn how to let that roll off your back.'
"Anybody that knows me, knows I'm not gay," he continues. "If you wanna know, I've been an open book since day one. All you've got to do is ask, and I'll tell you: I love women."
Just as a point of reference, the chatter about Ne-Yo began long before last year's unfounded "coming out" which he never specifically denied. There is an active 56-page, 1200-post message board at Topix devoted to the supposedly colorful escapades of the R&B singer. It's interesting that Ne-Yo is now specifically denying the rumors.
Ne-Yo: Ready for Love [Straight]
Did You Read ...
Ne-Yo: "You're Nobody Until They Say You're Gay" [R20]
Shemar Moore: "I'm Not Gay" [R20]
Rodney Chester of "Noah's Arc": "I'm Still NOT Gay" [R20]
R&B Singer Tyrese Will Ban ALL MEN [R20]
Kanye Responds to Gay Rumors [R20]
Has-Been Rapper Beanie Sigel Demands Kanye and Pharrell "Come Out" of the Closet [R20]
all i have to say is one thing:
OOOH MS. NEYO--HOW YOU DOIN? ALLL RIIIGHHTTT!!!! LOL!
he needs to stop faking the funk and just COME OUT...:)
Posted by: Ryan | 11 August 2007 at 11:54
Ne-Yo is GAY, GAY, GAY.
Posted by: tony rio | 11 August 2007 at 11:57
If the man says he's not gay, whether he's being truthful or not, then it should be dropped.
Posted by: nOva | 11 August 2007 at 12:53
Nova, I disagree. The fact that Ne-Yo addressed this makes it news. Rod didn't say he was gay, he just reported Ne-Yo's latest denial.
Surely you're joking regarding "being truthful or not"?
Posted by: Alan T | 11 August 2007 at 13:00
It's very curious that Ne-Yo constantly defends his sexuality. Methinks the lady doth protest too much.
Posted by: BL | 11 August 2007 at 13:50
^^^ You said it.
Posted by: ca | 11 August 2007 at 14:45
I don't know who he really is or what he sings since I'm not into rap or this new age R&B stuff, but, maybe he needs to change that name, sounds like a drag queen! He must have lived on NE street and had a dog called YO, since I still don't get that name!
But seriously, he is protesting too much if he isn't gay as if that is something to dread, and Ne-Yo being gay is just fine and dandy,ignore the gossip and innuendo, don't feed it with the silly rebuttals.
Posted by: Luther | 11 August 2007 at 14:51
Those who shout the loudest ...
Posted by: Earl FF | 11 August 2007 at 15:33
Gay. 'Nuff said.
Posted by: derrick | 11 August 2007 at 16:26
If Nova says drop the issue, bitches, then let NO MORE BE SPOKEN ON THIS ISSUE! lol
Posted by: seahawk | 11 August 2007 at 16:48
Rod never said Ne-Yo was gay, he merely reported the story.
It's very amusing that Nova would make such a comemnt on this blog. Some of his current posts include calling Kanye's album cover "gay" and asking if "Terrance Howard was gay."
I'm just sayin'.
Posted by: Henry TW | 11 August 2007 at 17:34
Children, let's get back on message! Ne-Yo says he isn't gay, he isn't gay.
He's just on the DL.
Posted by: Joe Jons | 11 August 2007 at 18:32
See, if he really is gay, sellouts like him make us look really bad; sellouts contribute to people looking down on us, like we are second class! It's his business, but I cannot stand sellouts!
Posted by: Mel Smith | 11 August 2007 at 18:37
Posted by: seahawk | 11 August 2007 at 19:05
Posted by: seahawk | 11 August 2007 at 19:05
Alan, my comment wasn't directed towards Rod, it was directed to people collectively. What do any of us have to gain from Neyo being gay or conceding and saying he is? Absolutely nothing. I mean, look at him, LOL.
Posted by: nOva | 11 August 2007 at 21:26
What I wanna know is why Ne-Yo? He's not the only R&B artist who there is speculation about, it's like part of his persona now. Maybe it's his eyes......
Posted by: Dluv | 11 August 2007 at 22:11
Nova, I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I was surprised because I know your sense of humor which is delicious!
"Never Mind!"
Posted by: Alan T | 11 August 2007 at 22:11
Actually he denied it before on The late show with Craig Ferguson a few months ago.
Posted by: queer kid of color | 13 August 2007 at 22:13
i think it should be noted that ne-yo himself admitted to the whole "Ne-Yo" persona as being a character. remember when he admitted that he was 27 and NOT 24, which was presumed. he seperates "Ne-Yo" from his actual self. he probably sees "Ne-Yo" as a 24 year old, straight R&B sensation......just saying......
Posted by: anonymous | 23 August 2007 at 06:04
WHat up neyo ur the man at dancing and singing make a song with bow wow and say my name Justin van eeden in the song
Posted by: Justin | 07 November 2007 at 22:44