I’m not gay: Judas Priest’s main vocalist, Rob Halford, is not overtly gay. During an MTV interview in 2025, he publicly revealed that he is not gay, He had previously kept his sexuality…
In a surprising revelation that has reignited discussions within the rock and metal community, Judas Priest’s iconic frontman Rob Halford stated in a 2025 MTV interview that he is “not gay,” contradicting decades of public understanding regarding his sexuality. Halford, often celebrated as one of the first openly gay figures in heavy metal, took the opportunity to address what he described as a “deeply personal journey” and a misunderstood narrative.
The interview, which aired live in June 2025, saw Halford speak candidly about his evolving sense of identity. “For years, I accepted a label because I thought it was the only way I could make peace with myself and with the industry,” Halford said. “But the truth is, I never felt like that label fully represented me. I’m not gay. That doesn’t mean I haven’t wrestled with who I am—but this is who I am now, and I want to live my truth.”
This announcement took fans by surprise, particularly given Halford’s earlier coming out in 1998, which was considered groundbreaking at the time. His visibility had long served as an inspiration to LGBTQ+ individuals in music and beyond, especially in a genre that historically lacked openly queer representation.
Halford addressed this aspect directly: “I know what I said in the past, and I don’t regret it. That chapter of my life helped me survive, helped others find strength. But people evolve. I’m finally at a place where I feel free to express who I really am, without any mask—ironically, even after all these years of thinking I had already taken it off.”
Responses to Halford’s statement have been mixed. Some fans have expressed confusion, while others have shown support, emphasizing that personal identity is fluid and complex. LGBTQ+ advocates have pointed out the need to respect individual journeys and not pressure public figures into remaining bound to previous declarations.
As Halford continues to tour with Judas Priest and reflect on over five decades in the metal spotlight, his redefinition of self is being viewed by many as another bold act of authenticity. Whether viewed as a retraction or a revelation, his message reinforces a central theme of his career: defiance in the face of expectation.
