Freddie Mercury’s health was dwindling for years before he died in 1991, but the Queen frontman refused to comment on the topic, and his team denied reports time and again that he had AIDS, the latest stage of an HIV infection.

It wasn’t until the day before his passing on the 24th of November that he admitted the truth to the world, revealing that he had been diagnosed with HIV four years earlier and was dying of the illness.  

“Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV positive and have AIDS,” he said in the statement.

“I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me. However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth, and I hope that everyone will join with me, my doctors and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease.”

“My privacy has always been very special to me, and I am famous for my lack of interviews. Please understand this policy will continue,” he concluded. Freddie tragically passed away the following day, after issuing his deathbed confession.