I remember when I first heard Bohemian Rhapsody. I was five years old, and during the dramatic climax that shifts from opera to rock, I remember dancing like no one was watching. It was my first proper introduction to Queen, and it would stay with me forever. Fast-forward to today, and my love for the band is still as strong as ever. But despite lead singer Freddie Mercury being no longer with us, he recently hit the headlines for the most unexpected and shocking reason.
Apparently, Freddie Mercury had a “treasured” secret daughter. The late Queen frontman is believed to have had a child in 1976 after a fling with the wife of a close friend. Her existence was apparently kept a closely guarded secret among his inner circle, including Freddie’s bandmates, parents, sister, and long-term partner Mary Austin.
I, too, was completely baffled by the news. It comes after a new book is set to be released this month, named ‘Love, Freddie’, which is about the late star who died of pneumonia caused by Aids in 1991, aged just 45.
Referred to only as ‘B’, his ‘secret’ daughter has spoken out now for the first time. Before his death, Freddie supposedly handed over 17 of his journals to his daughter, who has shared them with biographer Lesley-Ann Jones for her new book.
Today, Freddie’s daughter is apparently now 48 and lives in Europe, where she works as a medical professional. Hearing about this news, my instinct is that this is complete nonsense.
Firstly, his former girlfriend and closest friend, Mary Austin, is sceptical about Freddie ever having a secret daughter. This is the first red flag.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Austin said Mercury did not tell her he had fathered a daughter at any point, nor did she see him write a diary. That’s all the proof I need.
If this story were true, there would be photos of Freddie with the daughter with whom he supposedly had such a great relationship. Of course, she would have been in his will. Freddie knew how long he had left to live.
Secondly, even if we were to take B’s word and accept that she is Freddie’s daughter, why share the news now? What has made her hold back on this announcement for so long?
The Queen frontman died 33 years ago, and I really hope she is not out to get a quick, sensational buck from the biography. ‘B’ also claims that he “adored me and was devoted to me”, yet she received only journals after his death. What loving father would do that, especially if they had such a “close and loving” relationship? Just my thoughts.
Freddie is and always will be a legend. It’s just so odd that he can’t be left in peace. Unless she can provide evidence like a DNA test, I hope the book isn’t a success and that this whole thing is just total garbage.