Because of his one “love affair,” John Lennon’s sexuality was once questioned.
Following his divorce from Cynthia Lennon in 1968, Lennon became more open to various relationships. He was particularly attracted to Yoko Ono but also to other people, including The Beatles’ manager.
Brian Epstein, The Beatles’ manager, died on August 27, 1967, after years of close collaboration with the band. During the anniversary of his death, fans of the Fab Four recalled Epstein’s “strong infatuation” with the late member.
Express UK recently published a report confirming Epstein’s homosexuality. Despite this, The Beatles admired him and were unconcerned about it.
Despite his excellent management skills, Epstein sparked controversy when he took Lennon to Barcelona, Spain, for a 12-day vacation in 1963. The couple’s bond reportedly grew stronger at the time.
Lennon later revealed that their relationship had reached “unbelievable” proportions.
However, according to Paul McCartney, Lennon only used Epstein’s sexuality to impress the group’s boss.
Lennon’s childhood friend Pete Shotton revealed in his book “John Lennon: In My Life” that the singer confessed to him that something happened between him and the manager.
According to Shotton, Lennon offered the manager a sexual relationship, but Epstein preferred a less intense activity.
Even Ono was aware of the affair, as the wife revealed information about Lennon’s sexuality after his death. She claimed that the star was secretly bisexual. He allegedly wanted to do “it” with a man but refused.
She continued:
“I think he had a desire to [sleep with a man], but I think he was too inhibited. No, not inhibited. He said: ‘I don’t mind if there’s an incredibly attractive guy.’ It’s very difficult: They would have to be not just physically attractive, but mentally very advanced too. And you can’t find people like that.”
Meanwhile, The Beatles wrote “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away,” which fans mistook for a song about Epstein’s sexual orientation. It also led to the public believing that Lennon and Epstein had a brief relationship.
Aside from the manager, Lennon began a romance with May Pang, then 22, after Ono set them up. In 1972, they were together for one year.
But as their love grew stronger, Ono allegedly did everything she could to win him back.