Queen legend Brian May has expressed shock and skepticism over recent claims that the late Freddie Mercury fathered a secret lovechild. The revelation has stirred controversy, with May’s wife, actress Anita Dobson, also voicing doubts about the veracity of the story.
When Anita first heard the news, she recalled telling Brian, “Do you know about this?” to which he replied, “Do you believe this?” Their reaction captures the mix of surprise and disbelief surrounding the bombshell claim.
The Controversial Claim
Biographer Lesley-Ann Jones, who is releasing a new book titled Love this September, alleges that Freddie Mercury fathered a daughter in 1976 during an affair with the wife of a close friend. The woman, now 48, reportedly has DNA evidence proving her biological connection to Mercury, whose real name was Farrokh Bulsara.
According to Jones, Mercury maintained a relationship with the daughter, known only as B, visiting her regularly and gifting her 17 volumes of his personal journals, which she kept private until recently. The daughter asserts she always knew Mercury was her father and describes a close, loving relationship lasting through the final 15 years of his life before his death in 1991 from AIDS-related complications.
B’s handwritten letter, included in the book, states:
“Freddie Mercury was and is my father. We had a very close and loving relationship from the moment I was born and throughout the final 15 years of his life. He adored me and was devoted to me. The circumstances of my birth may seem, by most people’s standards, unusual and even outrageous. It never detracted from his commitment to love and look after me.”
She also revealed that Freddie had a room in their family home so he could spend as much time with her as possible and that he called her every day, even while touring with Queen.
Skepticism from Close Circles
Despite these claims, Anita Dobson is unconvinced. The former EastEnders actress pointed out the implausibility of such a secret surviving in the life of someone as iconic as Freddie Mercury. “There must be lots of people who have children that we don’t know about. It’s just because it’s him,” she said. “It seems inconceivable that he would have a child with someone we don’t know about.”
She challenged the supposed daughter to “step forward” if she truly exists and dismissed the story as “maybe just more fake news.”
Defense from the Biographer
Lesley-Ann Jones has responded firmly to critics demanding public proof of DNA tests or alleging the diaries were fabricated using artificial intelligence. “Please rest assured that the requisite verification was obtained, legal teams have been involved, but such measures are private and not shared publicly,” Jones said.
Addressing accusations that the story and materials were falsified, she added:
“To those insisting Freddie Mercury’s diaries were faked with AI, that his daughter ‘doesn’t exist’ and that I’ve made the whole thing up: wait and see. His own story is his true story, told in his own words, is incredible. I love him all the more for it. You will too.”
What Lies Ahead?
As Love hits shelves later this year, the truth behind these extraordinary claims remains shrouded in mystery and debate. For now, Brian May and those close to Freddie Mercury remain doubtful, while biographer Jones and the woman at the center of the story stand firmly behind their revelations.
The saga adds a new, complex layer to the enduring legacy of one of rock’s most enigmatic icons—Freddie Mercury.
