We discussed it, and essentially, he wasn’t ready to publicly acknowledge his mother’s awareness of his sexuality. It’s been years since Patty Lael revealed Luther Vandross’s truth, yet some still harbor resentment over her decision. Interestingly, amidst the current controversies involving Diddy, there are lingering doubts about Clive Davis’s involvement in Luther’s life, akin to the rumors surrounding Diddy’s marriage in the mid-’80s. I contemplated the possibility of a relationship with a man. Luther Vandross, a legend in his own right, passed away in 2005 at 54, never fully recovering from a stroke in 2003, as stated by his family. Apart from his immense talent, Luther’s sexuality was often speculated upon, with his close friend Patty Leel inadvertently confirming it.
Patty and Luther shared a close bond, with their meeting marked by a colorful tale. Recalling their first encounter to Entertainment Weekly, Patty reminisced, “I first crossed paths with Luther about 40 years ago in New York. I was performing at the Apollo Theater with the Blue Bells when he sauntered backstage, spinning a yarn about being a designer delivering clothes to us. I saw through his ruse; he was just a young lad trying to slip backstage. Nevertheless, I indulged him, allowing him to meet us. Subsequently, he assumed the role of our fan club president. Though he never did stitch us any garments, he did shower me with countless treasures over the years—Giani Versace dresses, exquisite earrings. Perhaps his fib to meet me was his way of making amends. Truth be told, I had no inkling of his extraordinary vocal talent back then. It wasn’t until later, after he began performing with Roberta Flack and David Bowie, that I truly grasped his musical prowess.” Patty went on to describe how their friendship blossomed over time, a camaraderie witnessed by many.
Reflecting on Luther’s identity, a topic that intrigued fans for years, Patty acknowledged that Luther neither confirmed nor denied speculations about his sexuality until his passing in 2005. She empathized with his decision to keep this aspect of himself private, recognizing the stigma surrounding homosexuality, particularly for prominent figures. Revealing his truth could have jeopardized his career in an era fraught with prejudice against gay men, a reality Patty understood all too well.
In various interviews over the years, Luther was often pressed about his personal life, including his identity. In a playful remark during a 2001 interview with Vibe magazine, he quipped about the ongoing speculations, humorously stating, “Curious about my identity? Well, I can tell you this much – I own properties in both Beverly Hills and New York.” Despite his light-hearted response, Luther acknowledged the toll of his privacy, admitting, “I understand there’s a price to pay for keeping things private. Sometimes, I question if it’s worth it.”
In that same interview, Luther opened up about his romantic experiences, revealing that he had never truly experienced reciprocated love. Reflecting on his first encounter at the age of 16, he described it as a painful rejection, recalling the words, “Thank you, but I’m not interested.” The experience left him feeling alienated and yearning for a deeper connection, expressing a desire for genuine affection beyond professional relationships. It’s ironic that a man renowned for serenading audiences with love songs across the globe had yet to find love in his own life.
The speculation surrounding Luther’s sexuality persisted until Patty Leel addressed it, confirming that Luther was gay but chose to keep it private for two significant reasons. Firstly, Luther was apprehensive about how his mother would react to his openness, preferring to shield her from any potential distress. “We discussed it, and while she may have had her suspicions, he didn’t want to explicitly confirm it to the world.” Secondly, Luther was mindful of his predominantly female fan base and feared alienating them by coming out. Patty reminisced, “We knew, and he had countless female admirers. Luther confided in me that he didn’t want to disrupt the world he had built.”
When Patty disclosed Luther’s sexual orientation, it stirred up a range of responses. Some argued she merely confirmed what many already suspected. For them, it provided insight into Luther’s music and personal struggles. They appreciated Patty’s acknowledgment, viewing it as a tribute to Luther’s authenticity, which he may have been unable to express. Moreover, Patty wasn’t the first to broach the topic. In 2006, Bruce Fanch disclosed Luther’s longest relationship with a man in Los Angeles during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Similarly, journalist Michael Musto noted Luther’s desire for a boyfriend before his passing, painting it as an open secret in show business.
However, Patty faced considerable backlash for her revelation. Critics argued it crossed a line, deeming Luther’s personal life off-limits to public scrutiny. Many felt Patty, not being family, overstepped boundaries and should’ve exercised discretion. Wendy Williams echoed this sentiment, believing Patty, as Luther’s best friend, should’ve refrained from discussing such private matters. Williams emphasized the violation inherent in disclosing a friend’s secrets to the world, contrasting it with her willingness to discuss topics about acquaintances.
I understand why some might argue that it wasn’t Patty’s place to disclose Luther’s identity. Throughout history, revealing one’s identity, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, has been perilous due to societal ridicule and even harm. For Luther, a Black gay man, the stakes were even higher, considering the societal climate of the ’80s. The fear of being accepted for his talents amidst pervasive homophobia and toxic masculinity would undoubtedly weigh heavily on him. Despite never officially confirming his identity, rumors circulated about Luther contracting AIDS, further complicating matters. Unsure of how coming out would affect his career, Luther remained ambiguous. However, speculation persisted, with Clive Davis’s name frequently mentioned. Clive, openly bisexual, detailed his own experiences in his memoir, including relationships with men spanning over two decades. Allegations of exploitation also surrounded Clive, raising questions about his interactions with proteges like Diddy.
Have Diddy and Clive Davis ever had a relationship beyond business? Their similarities in behavior might suggest a deeper connection, perhaps even a romantic one. But it’s purely speculative. Regarding their professional ties, Clive revealed in an episode of ‘Rock and High School’ with Pete Gandark how he first began working with Diddy. He recognized Diddy’s vision that hip-hop should be part of the mainstream top 40, a notion Clive was initially uncertain about but willing to explore. Clive acknowledged Diddy’s insight into the evolving music landscape and sought to integrate it into his business. He invested startup capital in Diddy’s Bad Boy Entertainment, fostering its growth over the years. However, rumors suggest that Diddy’s allegiance to Clive came at a cost, echoing similar allegations about Luther Vandross. Yet, there’s no concrete evidence linking their relationships beyond the professional realm. These speculations have sparked debates about whether it’s appropriate to delve into Luther’s personal life and the nature of his association with Clive. What are your thoughts on this matter? Share your opinions in the comments below.
