There are legends that resurface from time to time. Leading international media such as The Guardian, Daily Mail, and Page Six have echoed an exclusive featured in the bookLove, Freddie by biographer Lesley-Ann Jones. According to this biography, the Queen frontman had a secret daughter who is now 48 years old, identified in the book only as B, and who was born from a chance relationship of the singer with a close friend's wife back in 1976.
Daily Mail has exclusively published some excerpts from the biography, highlighting in the initial chapter a handwritten letter from B stating that "Freddie Mercury was and is my father." She also affirms that "we had a very close and loving relationship from the moment I was born and during the last 15 years of his life. He adored me and was devoted to me. The circumstances of my birth may seem, to most people, unusual and even scandalous."
The author of the biography recounts that the woman underwent a DNA test -not specified with whom or what- to prove the positive filiation. She also claims that Freddy's parents and sister, as well as his great love Mary Austin -who inherited 50% of his fortune- and some close friends were aware of B's existence in the late 70s and early 80s.
In response to criticism on social media regarding the doubts raised by the story, Lesley-Ann Jones wrote: "I assure you that the necessary verification was obtained and legal teams were involved, but these measures are private and not made public. Thank you." The daughter contacted the author via email to congratulate her on her book Love Of My Life, the other biography of the singer written in 2021, and the following year they met in Montreux (Switzerland) for an in-depth conversation. Jones, who has published biographies of David Bowie and Rolling Stones, states that initially "my instinct was to doubt everything, but I am absolutely certain that she is not a fantasist. No one could have faked all this. Why would she have worked with me for three and a half years without demanding anything?"
Apparently, she does not want money or public recognition. She was not assigned any assets in the will, as a private legal agreement between father and daughter that has never been made public was reportedly signed. It is also mentioned that shortly before his death, the singer allegedly handed over 17 volumes of personal diaries from 1976 to 1991 to his supposed daughter, which B has kept secret until now. Only her mother, stepfather, nanny, and Mary Austin were aware of this gift, which serves as the basis for the upcoming book to be published in September.
Aware of the pregnancy, and with the mother of the child against abortion, the three adults, Freddie and the couple, agreed that B would be raised in a more stable home since the singer constantly traveled for work. However, this did not mean that the Bohemian Rhapsody performer neglected his role, as in each of his residences, there was a dedicated room for the girl.
Freddie Mercury had several relationships with women such as the Austrian actress Barbara Valentin, and with Mary Austin, whom he met when she was 19 and he was 24. Despite the breakup, a strong friendship full of love and loyalty remained.