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Gay news: Martin says he's 'doing great' and feeling 'stronger than ever'
Ricky Martin: Coming out may boost career
Coming out 'Likely to boost Ricky Martin's career'
Music industry insiders have said that Ricky Martin's decision to come out will probably boost his career, particularly in English-speaking territories.
On his website on Monday, the Latin American singer silenced years of speculation about his sexuality by declaring himself "a fortunate homosexual man", despite his fears that the revelation would destroy his popularity.
He wrote: "Many people told me: 'Ricky, it's not important', 'it's not worth it', 'all the years you've worked and everything you've built will collapse', 'many people in the world are not ready to accept your truth, your reality, your nature'."
But in the Daily Telegraph, Helen Brown cited the Wall Street Journal's research showing that other gay stars who have come out - including George Michael and Elton John - have seen no decline in sales.
One industry executive told Brown that the publicity generated by Martin's coming out would probably reverse his flagging sales in English-speaking countries and expand his already considerable worldwide gay fanbase.
Another said: "It's been an open secret for years and I don't think anyone is really that shocked.
"His career in English-speaking territories has taken a back seat recently but he's still a massive star in Latin countries.
"There'll be some fans he'll lose there but if artists are honest and open about their sexuality, it's amazing how accepting their fans are.
"I think Ricky Martin is to be applauded for finally acknowledging publicly who he is and hopefully fans will not bat an eyelid."
Meanwhile, as news of Martin's announcement spread, he wrote on Twitter that he was "doing great" and feeling "stronger than ever".
