After years of staying quiet and dodging rumors, R&B legend Johnny Gill has finally broken his silence — confirming long-speculated secrets and revealing personal truths that have sent shockwaves through the entertainment world.

At 58, Johnny Gill is no stranger to fame, success, or controversy. As a key member of New Edition and later as the voice behind hit solo records like “My, My, My” and “Rub You the Right Way,” he became one of the most recognizable voices in R&B.

But for decades, Gill has also carried the weight of whispers, assumptions, and invasive questions about his private life. Now, in a stunning turn of events, he’s decided to speak his truth — and nothing is off-limits.

In a candid interview tied to the upcoming release of a tell-all memoir, Johnny Gill opens up about the rumors that have followed him for years.

From his alleged romantic relationships to backstage drama with fellow New Edition members, the singer says it’s finally time to “set the record straight and stop letting other people tell my story.”

One of the most persistent rumors that dogged Gill throughout his career involved speculation about his sexuality — particularly during his close friendship and rumored romantic ties with comedian and actor Eddie Murphy.

For years, tabloids printed stories suggesting the two were more than friends, and both men consistently denied any romantic involvement. Now, Gill addresses the controversy head-on.

“People were so obsessed with who I was dating, who I was with — they couldn’t just let me be,” he said. “My relationship with Eddie was and always has been based on respect, loyalty, and brotherhood.

We’ve both had to deal with the nastiest lies, and it got to the point where we just stopped caring. But no, we were never in a romantic relationship.”

Gill says the rumors took a toll on his career and personal life, especially during the 1990s. “I had executives tell me I needed to look a certain way or act a certain way to appeal to the masses. I lost deals, lost opportunities, just because people didn’t know what box to put me in.”

But the scandals didn’t stop there. Johnny also confirmed long-standing tension within New Edition — a group that has had its share of dramatic breakups, egos, and behind-the-scenes disputes.

Gill joined the group in 1987, replacing Bobby Brown, which sparked friction and rivalries early on. “There were moments when I felt like the outsider,” Gill admitted. “I was the new guy walking into a family that had already been through wars. And yes, it was tough.”

He revealed that some of the group’s most iconic performances were done after major backstage arguments and emotional breakdowns. “We’d be cussing each other out one minute, then harmonizing like brothers the next. That’s the madness of showbiz — and the magic of music.”

Another bombshell Gill drops is about the emotional and financial struggles he faced during the peak of his fame. “People think success means peace and happiness.

But there were times I was on tour with a smile on my face, and crying myself to sleep in my hotel room,” he confessed. “I was dealing with anxiety, depression, and pressure from all sides — and I didn’t know how to ask for help.”

Gill also discussed being exploited financially. “There were people around me that I trusted who were stealing from me,” he said. “Managers, friends — it was a betrayal that cut deep. I had to rebuild from the ground up more than once.”

Despite everything, Johnny Gill says he’s finally in a place of healing. He credits therapy, faith, and fatherhood for helping him find peace. “Becoming a father changed everything,” he said. “It made me realize what truly matters. Not the headlines, not the fame — just love, truth, and legacy.”

As he prepares to release his memoir and embark on a new tour, Gill wants fans to know that he’s never felt stronger or more honest. “I’ve carried these secrets for too long. I thought protecting people, staying quiet, was the right thing. But now I see that sharing my truth is the only way to move forward.”

He also hopes his story can inspire others — especially those in the industry — to value authenticity over image. “You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be real. And I’m finally real, without apology.”

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