Mary Austin, the closest friend of Freddie Mercury, discussed the moment she became certain that the Queen star was gay – a realization that occurred before they had a conversation about it.
They had been living together for four years when Mercury told Austin he had something important to share. However, in a recent interview with the Guardian, she revealed that she had known for quite some time.
Explaining why she fell for him initially, she said: “He was different from the others. He was more creative. He was just more interesting.
“For instance, he would go to see the film Cabaret repeatedly. I loved listening to him explain why he enjoyed it so much. It was like taking a journey through his mind. You were always on this adventure with him.”
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Recalling their conversation about his sexuality, she noted: “He struggled to get the words out. He said, ‘I think I’m bisexual.’ I replied, ‘No, Freddie, I think you’re gay.’” He didn’t argue with her.
When asked if that moment was upsetting, Austin responded: “No – it was a huge relief because I wasn’t sure whether we were still on the same path anymore.
“Earlier, I had seen a dress and thought, ‘That would make a really nice wedding dress.’ I asked Freddie, ‘Is it worth me buying it?’ And he looked at me and shook his head. So from that point on, I knew.”
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Austin was happy to change her role concerning Mercury, becoming his personal assistant instead of remaining his girlfriend. “We became better friends and it improved our relationship,” she shared. “I was six-and-a-half stone; I was really stressed. And suddenly I’m not stressed anymore.”
Even though she technically worked for Mercury, she stated he never treated her as an employee. “[B]ut if he had treated me as an employee I would have sucked it up because I’d know it’s because he’s in a foul mood or annoyed with someone or maybe I’d done something and not realized. We’d be honest with each other.”
Recalling what she described as the worst thing Mercury ever said to her, she reported: “He once told me I was inefficient, and I totally agreed.”
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Gallery Credit: UCR Staff
