Tommy Fleming has issued a heartfelt statement to fans after coming out as gay in an emotional Newstalk interview, where he opened up about his sexuality, mental health and the end of his 20-year marriage
Tommy Fleming sat down for a tell-all interview with Newstalk on Friday, sharing an emotional message to his wife Tina after coming out as gay(Image: Newstalk)
Tommy Fleming has issued a message to his fans following his explosive interview on Friday afternoon.
The singer opened up about his sexuality, mental health and substance abuse in the candid sit-down with Ciara Kelly on Newstalk.
It marked the first occasion he had spoken out since news broke of his split from his wife of 20 years, Tina Mitchell.
Posting pictures of himself at the Newstalk studio on Instagram once the interview had aired, Tommy wrote: “This evening, I spoke with Ciara Kelly on Newstalk’s The Hard Shoulder about something I now have to share publicly.
“The past period of my life has involved major personal change, including the end of my marriage after 20 years.
“This has been painful and, at times, taken a serious toll on my mental health.
Tommy Fleming and Ciara Kelly(Image: Instagram)
“Out of respect for those closest to me, I won’t be discussing private family or legal matters.
“What I can say is this: I am gay. “This is not new to me or to those close to me, but saying it publicly and fully living as myself has been a deeply personal journey with real consequences for the people I love.
“My marriage ending brings sadness for everyone involved. My wife and step children were a huge part of my life and I will always care for them. I would ask people to remember that there are real people and real hurt behind the headlines and speculation, and to show compassion to everyone affected.
“Getting here has brought clarity and perspective. “My focus is on my health, family, friends and continuing to do the music that I love. “I’m grateful to Ciara for approaching this conversation with care and sensitivity.”
He concluded: “There comes a point where personal truth belongs back in private life. For me, that point is now.”
Tommy Fleming with wife, Tina. (Image: Instagram)
During the interview, Tommy publicly came out as gay, acknowledging that he had spent many years concealing his true identity, reports RSVP Live.
“I’d love to say it’s to set to record straight, but it’s to give my side of it too, to give you my truth,” he explained when asked why he had chosen to speak out at this moment.
“For at least 10 or 13 years of marriage we were very happy but small cracked started to appear,” he continued.
“Small cracks that were never mended. Those cracks became a chasm. I wasn’t happy with my own situation… It wasn’t about being happy, it was about being uncomfortable with the situation if that makes sense.
“I had been living a lie for all my life really. The hardest part of that was the energy and the effort it took for this lie to be constantly covered. That lie was that I’m gay.”
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