During a recent interview, Paul McCartney disclosed a surprising remark made by Yoko Ono regarding her late husband, John Lennon. The conversation took place shortly after Lennon’s tragic death in 1980, when Ono suggested to McCartney that Lennon “might have been gay.” This revelation adds another layer to the complex narrative surrounding the iconic Beatles member’s life and relationships.
McCartney recounted the phone call in an interview with Vanity Fair, explaining that Ono reached out to him soon after Lennon’s murder. “I swear she rang me shortly after John died and said, ‘You know, I think John might have been gay,’” McCartney shared. His immediate response was one of skepticism, stating, “I don’t think so. Certainly not when I knew him.” He emphasized the lively social scene of the 1960s, filled with “loads and loads of girls,” and noted that he had never observed any indication of Lennon’s sexuality during their years together.
The interview, originally conducted in 2015, gained renewed attention following the recent release of the documentary “Man on the Run,” which delves into the history of the Beatles. McCartney reflected on their close friendship, saying, “I had slept with John very often, but there was never anything. There was never a gesture, never an expression. It was nothing. So I had no reason to believe this at all.”
Lennon and Ono’s marriage, which began in 1969, was not without its challenges. During a tumultuous period from late 1973 to 1974, Lennon experienced what has been referred to as his “Lost Weekend” in Los Angeles, during which he was separated from Ono. This separation followed an incident in which Ono had expelled him from their home due to his reckless behavior.
According to Elliot Mintz, a mutual friend of the couple, McCartney played a pivotal role in helping Lennon reconcile with Ono. Mintz revealed that McCartney offered to speak with Lennon about his relationship troubles. “She seemed grateful for that invitation,” he recalled. Mintz later published a memoir entitled “We All Shine On: John, Yoko, & Me,” which recounts these events with the support of Ono and Lennon’s son, Sean Lennon.
Mintz detailed McCartney’s advice to Lennon, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating genuine change to win back Ono’s heart. “You can’t just say that you’ve changed. You have to show it,” Mintz recounted McCartney advising Lennon. He encouraged Lennon to bring Ono flowers and take her out for dinners, treating her with the care and attention she deserved.
Ultimately, Lennon took McCartney’s guidance to heart, leading to a renewal of their relationship. “Yoko accepted him back in their home, and they resumed their relationship,” Mintz explained. The reunion marked a significant turning point for both Lennon and Ono.
The complexities of Lennon’s life, including his relationships and public persona, continue to fascinate fans and historians alike. As new insights emerge, the legacy of the Beatles and their individual stories remain a subject of endless intrigue and discussion.