New Kids star Knight comes out as gay

New Kids On The Block member Jonathan Knight has come out as gay following his accidental outing last week by fellow eighties popstar Tiffany.

During an interview with Bravo host Andy Cohen, Tiffany claimed that Knight only became gay after the pair dated early on in their careers.

Following a string of criticism directed at Tiffany for her comments, NY Magazine reports that Knight himself has now responded to the rumours.

"I have never been outed by anyone but myself! I did so almost twenty years ago," Knight wrote, on the band's members-only section of their website. "I never knew that I would have to do it all over again publicly just because I reunited with New Kids On The Block!"

"I have lived my life very openly and have never hidden the fact that I'm gay," Knight added.

The singer claimed that he never felt the need to exploit his sexuality for publicity by giving a tell-all interview about his private life.

Knight begins a joint tour between New Kids On The Block and the Backstreet Boys this summer.