The author of a new book about singer Jessie J is refusing to
back down over rumours the star is gay, despite assertions to the
contrary.
Chloe Govan, writer of unofficial biography Jessie J: Who's
Laughing Now?, caused a media storm earlier this week after
suggesting the Price Tag singer had lied to fans about her
sexuality to ensure commercial success.
Yesterday, the 24-year-old singer - who is also a coach on reality
program The Voice - used micro-blogging site Twitter to denounce
the allegations, saying: "Thanks for writing yet another boring,
untrue story."
The singer has previously described herself as bisexual.
But, speaking to DIVA's sister site PinkPaper.com, Govan
maintained her stance and defended her actions, claiming she
"wasn't outing Jessie [as lesbian, rather than bisexual], but
rather the mentality of those who put pressure on her to be
something she wasn't."
She added: "I appreciate that Jessie doesn't want to be defined by
her sexuality, or for it to take precedence over the music. However
I felt it was important to publish what a very well placed source
told me.
"In this day and age, people shouldn't feel obliged to conceal who
they are and yet so often, fearing outdated prejudices and public
rejection, they do."
In the book, Govan references several so-called reliable sources.
Today, she told us that they include: a bandmate from a group
Jessie fronted before she was famous, the producer of one of her
first demos, a member of her former PR team and friends from her
time at the BRIT school - but no names were disclosed.
Govan also claims that Jessie was in a relationship with a woman
while she recorded her first album, saying: "The pressure
surrounding her love life caused tension with her girlfriend.
Sources say she was frightened that at such an early stage in her
career success might already be slipping through her
fingers."
She then claims this internal struggle went on to provide the
inspiration for the hit single Who You Are, but this has not been
confirmed or denied.
But, regardless of the singer's sexuality, Govan expressed more
concern at the sensationalist spin certain media outlets have put
on the story.
"Some people have expressed fear that if Jessie comes out her
young fans will think being gay is 'normal', but treating it
anything other than normal reinforces a damaging stereotype. We
should support young people, normalising homosexuality by being
open about the fact that it exists.
"The world of showbiz is overwhelmingly heterosexual, with the
exception of a few pop stars who flaunt bisexuality as a marketing
tool. Musical role models who are openly gay - and other than Beth
Ditto, there are very few - might encourage gay people to accept
themselves."
Speaking of the reaction of fans to her claims, Govan told us:
"The majority of comments have been heartening, however some people
have suggested Jessie should have kept her sexuality under wraps
because she is the face of a primetime TV show.
"This proves my point. Homophobic prejudice is a very real threat
that has no place in our society."
