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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Roisin O'Connor

Who is Mary Austin? Freddie Mercury’s ‘only friend’ and former girlfriend

  • Mary Austin is the former girlfriend and closest friend of the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury .
  • Austin met Mercury when she was 19 and he was 23, a year before Queen were formed. They lived together in London for years before, in late 1976, the singer told her about his sexuality.
  • They remained close after splitting up, with Mercury saying in 1985: “All my lovers ask me why they couldn’t replace Mary, but it’s impossible. The only friend I’ve got is Mary, and I don’t want anybody else. We believe in each other, that’s enough for me.”
  • Austin previously expressed strong scepticism regarding claims made by a 48-year-old woman known as 'B', who asserted she was the late Queen frontman's secret daughter.
  • Austin stated that Mercury never mentioned fathering a child or keeping a diary, adding that it would be astonishing if he had kept such a joyful life event hidden from those closest to him.

IN FULL

Freddie Mercury’s closest friend throws doubt on ‘secret child’ claims as woman speaks out for first time

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