Growing up as a sex icon was never easy and I was trained by my various minders and advisors, to deal with things like this. One of the best tactics is just to remain silent, which normally results in rumours and speculation fading away. This is something I have been trying to do with these suggestive Ricky Martin articles that have been doing the rounds. But they don’t seem to be going away – especially now with Rick revealing to the world that he is gay.

That is why I am writing this today – to set the record straight.

That was not me on the beach with Ricky Martin

By now you would have read any one of the many international articles (here is one, and here is another – or translated into English here and here) suggesting I was having an affair with Ricky Martin. Here is an excerpt (please note this is a direct Google translation into English from the original article):

Before Ricky declare his homosexuality , and there were rumors that, like a couple of years ago, when Ricky Martin said he had a relationship with a young Cuban who appears as co-producer on some of their songs. Another name was linked romantically to boricua Samuel Beniquez, saw them basking on a beach. Some said it was Seth Rotherham..

[read more from the English translation here or original here ]

It’s true that I did spend some time with Rick a few years ago, I’m not going to deny that. Ard Matthews introduced us in Puerto Rico (Rick was, and still is, a massive Just Jinjer fan) and because of my unique sound, Rick asked if I would be keen to work on a collaboration. I didn’t mind the idea and we started laying down some tracks. But as the album progressed, it seemed to me that it was more than just tracks that Rick wanted to lay. I had to get out of there. The album, entitled “Toque a ti Mismo” (Spanish for “Touch Yourself”) was never completed. I called Ard, who told me that I wasn’t the first artist to have a half-completed album with Ricky Martin.

Needless to say I returned to South Africa with my cock tail between my legs. Rick and I haven’t spoken since. Those of you who bought my DVD will understand why I called it “Touch Yourself” I’m happy to reveal now that it was for Rick – an olive branch, if you will. Just something to let him know that I’m cool with everything.

But I stress that this doesn’t mean we had sex together.

I think Ricky Martin is a fabulous performer and I respect him as an artist. He has a beautifully creative mind and there is no denying that his body is sensational. Rick, if you’re reading this, I just want to say I’m sorry about what happened that last day in the studio. I think you’re great, but I’m just more into supermodels.

As much as it does hurt me to say it, I just can’t live la vida loca.