The 'Your Body Is a Wonderland' singer challenges the notion that a platonic friendship between a straight man and a gay man is inherently dubious after Cohen addressed speculation surrounding their close friendship.
- May 10, 2024
AceShowbiz - On Thursday, May 9, John Mayer penned an email to The Hollywood Reporter in response to a portion of the magazine's cover story featuring Andy Cohen, host of "Watch What Happens Live". In an interview earlier in the week, Cohen had addressed speculation surrounding his close friendship with Mayer, 46, denying rumors that they were romantically involved.
"Let them speculate! I honestly love John Mayer, and he loves me," said Cohen, 55. "But because we're so affectionate toward each other, people don't know what box to put that in. They assume we're sleeping with each other, which we are most definitely not."
In his email to THR's co-editor-in-chief Maer Roshan, who conducted the interview, Mayer questioned why the topic would be of interest, as it stemmed from a "deeply flawed" premise. "First, there is a long and storied history of 'rock stars' (not mocking, just won't refer to myself as one) befriending gay icons and artists," wrote Mayer.
He continued, "Second, I think that to suggest that people are dubious of a friendship like mine and Andy's is to undermine the public's ability to accept and understand diversity in all facets of culture, be it in art or in real life. I’d like to think they’re sophisticated enough to see a relationship like ours without assuming it must include a sexual component."
Mayer criticized THR for its line of questioning, stating that "if someone is dubious of a platonic relationship between a straight man and a gay man, I don't think that shallow a view deserves clarification by anyone with self respect."
He emphasized that reinforcing the idea that gay/straight relationships require constant qualification as "not sexual" undermines the dignity of everyone involved. Mayer's email ended with a respectful sign-off, underscoring his stance.
Cohen and Mayer have been friends for years, bonded by their shared love for the Grateful Dead. Mayer now performs with the band's current incarnation, Dead & Company.
