New Kid on the Block Jonathan Knight Comes Out of the Closet

He had millions of crazed, weeping female fans screaming his name in the late Eighties, but New Kid on the Block Jonathan Knight has an announcement: He's gay.

The singer, who is about to hit the road with his boy band mates plus the Backstreet Boys, spoke up for himself after fellow Eighties icon Tiffany (and one-time girlfriend) accidentally revealed his sexuality during a live TV interview.

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Explaining that he's been out of the closet for two decades, Knight, 42, said in a statement (posted at Towleroad.com):

"I have never been outed by anyone but myself! I did so almost 20 years ago. I never knew that I would have to do it all over again publicly just because I reunited with NKOTB! I have lived my life very openly and have never hidden the fact that I am gay! Apparently the prerequisite to being a gay public figure is to appear on the cover of a magazine with the caption 'I am gay'. I apologize for not doing so if this is what was expected!"

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During an appearance on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live, "I Think We're Alone Now" singer Tiffany dished that she and Jonathan dated back when she toured with the hugely popular group.

"[He] became gay later," Tiffany joshed. "I didn't do it. I had issues with that. I was thinking maybe I did. Now looking back when we were dating, he was so much fun. We used to do facials together. He was so easy to talk to."

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Adds Knight in his statement: "I love living my life being open and honest, but at this time I choose not to discuss my private life any further! My fellow band members don't discuss their private lives with their loved ones and I don't feel that just because I am gay, I should have to discuss mine!"