Ricky Martin confirms rumors that he’s gay

New York — Ricky Martin is no longer denying the rumors: He’s gay.

In a statement posted via Twitter in both Spanish and English, and later confirmed with his representative, Martin said: “I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.”

For many, Monday’s announcement will come as no surprise; the “Livin’ La Vida Loca” singer’s sexuality has been speculated about for years. But the Puerto Rican star, who got his start as a child in the teen group Menudo, never directly addressed it and was usually seen at events with beautiful women on his arm.

Martin, 38, said he decided to reveal the truth after working on his memoirs helped him realize that he had to be free with himself, and not keep any more secrets.

Martin said one of the reasons why he kept his homosexuality hidden was because he was told by some that it would hurt his career.

Chaz Bono asks to change name, gender

Los Angeles — Chaz Bono is asking a judge to formally change his name and gender.

The 41-year-old writer, activist and reality-TV star was born a girl to Sonny Bono and Cher. He filed a petition to change his name and gender last week.

Bono’s doctor filed a declaration with the court indicating he performed a gender-change operation last year.

Formerly called Chastity, Bono has called the gender change “the best decision I’ve ever made.”

The filing was first reported by celebrity Web site TMZ.com.

A hearing on the petition is scheduled for May 6 in Santa Monica, Calif.

Items from home of Diana to be auctioned

London — Rare antiques from the ancestral home of Diana, Princess of Wales — including an $18 million Rubens portrait from the 17th century — will be offered for sale this summer, an auction house said Monday.

Christie’s auction house said it will sell about $30 million worth of artifacts from Althorp House, in Northamptonshire, central England.

Althorp — Diana’s childhood home and the site of her burial following her 1997 death — is now occupied by Diana’s brother Earl Charles Spencer. He recently announced his engagement to Lady Bianca Eliot, who will become his third wife.

The auction house said the Spencer family hoped to sell off a variety of valuables to invest the funds raised and protect the long-term future of the stately home.