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Daddy Yankee Addresses Gay Rumors

Reports conflict on whether he came out.

After a photo surfaced last week of Daddy Yankee — or at least someone who looked like the reggaeton star — kissing another man, gay rumors were in full-force. Now, there are conflicting reports about whether or not the "Gasolina" singer has come out of the closet.

Several media outlets reported that the 36-year-old singer, born Ramon Ayala, announced at a press conference that he is indeed gay. "Yesterday was displayed certain photographs that show a part of me, which I was not prepared to speak [of] for fear of rejection, of criticism, but especially for my family and its consequences," both the Examiner.com and HipHop365.com claim he told Univision. "I do not want to lie and live out of fear. I feel really bad about not being able to share this with all my friends before, they are the ones I concerned and so I decided to be honest."

His reps, however, tell a different story. In a statement released to the Los Angeles Times, Yankee's publicist Mayna Nevarez refutes the rumors that Daddy Yankee is gay and denies he spoke to Univision about it. 

"Online blogs and social media are once again to blame for the spread of false news reports, which other media outlets have also shared regarding a public figure. The reports circulating regarding Daddy Yankee's declaration of homosexuality was falsely written by an online outlet known for fabricating false information and spreading it through social media sites."
Indeed, HipHop365.com, where the story of the press conference seems to have originated, doesn't link to a source on the Spanish-language network's website. The Examiner.com article links only to a forum on Univision.com on which a fan simply inquires if Daddy Yankee is gay. 
Further, more scrutinizing journalists have pointed out that in the photos of the Puerto Rican singer, who once campaigned for John McCain, he is missing his trademark moles.
Univision has not yet commented on the story. So, is this a belated April Fools prank or just bad journalism? Guess we'll have to wait and see. 
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(Photo: REUTERS /Eliseo Fernandez /LANDOV)

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