Born on October 23, 1985 as Miguel Jontel Pimentel, this 37-year-old American singer, songwriter, and actor was best known for his second album, “Kaleidoscope Dream,” which was released in 2012, and his single “Adorn,” which earned him a Grammy Award.
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Miguel started pursuing a career in music at the age of 13. His debut studio album, “All I Want Is You”, which was released in 2010, was a sleeper hit. It somehow gave him the much-needed jumpstart to be relevant in the music industry. The singer was known to incorporate R&B, funk, hip-hop, pop, rock, and electronic styles into his music, and has been compared to other artists like Babyface and Prince.
However, something about the R&B singer aroused gay rumors among fans. It must be something about how he carried himself, or probably the way he dressed, that made fans speculate that he was not straight.
Well, is Miguel gay?
VOTE: What is Miguel’s Sexuality?
Facing the Gay Rumors Head-on
Known for his funky sense of style, which he calls “retro super future (electrik),” Miguel had been perceived by some fans as gay. His daring fashion sense somehow sparked rumors about his sexuality. And in an interview with Kenny Burns during a promo tour stop in Atlanta, the R&B singer decided to face the rumors head-on.
I want you to clear that up because a lot of people can’t see past your futuristic style.”
Burns told Miguel, urging the singer to set the records straight about his sexuality
At this point, what I will say is, we really do have the tools at our disposal to broaden our horizons.”
Miguel replied
Miguel pointed out the fact that his fashion sense was heavily influenced by the inspirations he got from all over the world. And that since we now have the entire world at our disposal, thanks to the internet, we no longer have to travel to experience everything first hand. Thus, getting inspiration from different cultures has never been this easy. And all these influences had an impact on how he expressed himself artistically, visually, and aesthetically.
At this point, I’ve embraced a lot of worldly culture and I made it a part of who I am. People who are here who have not done that may look at my choices artistically, how I express myself visually and aesthetically as questionable, especially to my sexuality. Whereas, people who have traveled or who have done the same, it’s not questionable at all.”
the R&B singer clarified
And to directly answer the one-million-dollar question about whether he was gay or not, he said:
For anyone who questions my sexuality, the honest truth is I love women. I’ve always openly loved women.”
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Miguel’s Long-Term Relationship
The R&B singer was in a long-term relationship with model Nazanin Mandi. They were together for 17 long years. They dated in 2005, got engaged in 2016, and got married in November 2018 in Simi Valley, California.
I’ve come so far as a man and I’m just starting to feel solid where I can be like, ‘You know what? I think I can hold this down legitimately.’ I think now people throw things around like marriage. I just wasn’t raised like that.”
Miguel told Hot 97 in a 2015 interview
On deciding to get married after 10 years of being together, he said:
I just follow my instincts. I think she’s learned that and she’s had to adjust and had to learn and also embrace. And I love her more for that.”
But after 17 years of being together, the couple went their separate ways sometime in 2022 due to undisclosed reasons. They, however, wish each other well.
After 17 years together, Miguel and Nazanin Mandi have decided to separate and have been for some time now. The couple both wish each other well.”
the couple’s representative told PEOPLE
Is Miguel Gay?
No, Miguel is not gay. The singer identifies himself as straight. His daring fashion sense doesn’t define his sexuality. He loves women as he puts it.