Bohemian Rhapsody: Rami Malek on claims movie ‘glosses over’ Mercury sexuality, AIDS fight

It’s been said by some that the film fails to pay enough attention to Freddie Mercury’s fight against AIDS, and his status as a gay icon. Unrest with the film in this regard began right back when the trailers were released and appeared to show little of Mercury’s sexuality at all. Asked on US chat show The View about the criticisms, Rami Malek – who plays him – gave his opinion.

Co-host Joy Behar said: “Freddie Mercury was a larger than life gay icon, I would say. He was everything to everyone but he was a gay icon.

“The movie touches on his homosexuality a bit but not that much. Was there a decision made to not go there?

“He did die of AIDS in 1991 – it was kind of glossed over a little bit. What do you say to that?”

Malek responded: “There is definitely a story there that we could have delved even deeper in to.

“I don’t think it was glossed over. I think there’s some poignant moments.

“He talks about not wanting to be a poster boy for the disease, he wants to make music.”

He added: “I think that he’s a revolutionary because he lived his most authentic life.

“Little do people know that he did have a six-year relationship with a woman, who he called the love of his life – who’s the only person who knows where his ashes are.

“He was engaged to [her], he put a ring on that finger. Then she discovered he was bisexual, was gay.

“He is definitely a gay icon and a hero for everyone.”

Malek’s next film in UK cinemas will be the prison drama Papillon – you can see a clip from it exclusively right here.

Bohemian Rhapsody is out now.