Will Young was told to re-record Leave Right Now because he “sounded gay”

21st March 2018

Press

“There’s a real flavor to homophobia and bigotry. It’s really shaming. People don’t understand the power of language.”

Will Young has revealed that he was told to re-record his massive number one single Leave Right Now because he “sounded gay” on the track.

The British star reflected on his homophobic experiences within the music industry in an interview with The Telegraph.

“I didn’t know at the time, but when I was recording [his 2003 hit] Leave Right Now, someone at the record company said I “sounded gay” and kept making me re-record the track,” he said.

‘There’s a real flavor to homophobia and bigotry. It’s really shaming. People don’t understand the power of language.”

Will has been frank in the past in regards to the abuse he’s received since becoming the inaugural winner of Pop Idol.

“I’ve had to run away from knife threats, hide in shops. I’ve also taken people on,” Will said in an interview with i.

Recounting a time when he called out three young men for being homophobic in Oxford, the singer said he was supported by passers by around him.

“The whole of the street turned against them and I think that was a palpable sign of how it’s simply not tolerated now,” he said.

Will also added that he feels there’s much more work that needs to be done to support LGBT+ youth – especially at home.

“If you’re bullied for, let’s say, religion or race or even gender, then hopefully there might be some sanctuary at home,” he explained.

“That’s not true for LGBT people because quite often there’s a shame of coming out at home.”

Meanwhile, Will recently admitted that he decided not to kiss a man in his music video for All Time Love as he was “thinking of my career,” but added that he now regrets the decision.

The star made the confession on his new podcast series Homo Sapiens, which is an interview-based program that sets out to tackle a diverse mix of subjects and issues within the LGBT+ community.

Throughout his career, Will has achieved six consecutive top two albums in the UK – four of which reached the top spot. He’s also topped the UK Singles Chart four times.