Ian Thorpe will be quizzed about his sexuality, in a Michael Parkinson. In his typically frank manner, Parkinson asks Thorpe if he is gay, a rumor he has repeatedly denied.
In a preview, Parkinson asks Thorpe: 'You've always said that you're not gay... is all of that true?' Viewers will have to wait until the interview is shown on Australian TV channel TEN on 13 July called Ian Thorpe: The Parkinson Interview.
The Sydney native retired in 2006, only to announce his return in 2011. Parkinson said he was eager to interview Thorpe because of his athletic career, and life outside of the swimming pool.
‘Ian has always been near top of my list to interview. The reasons are obvious. Not many athletes can claim to be the best of all time. Ian can,’ said Parkinson.
‘His fight against depression offers a unique insight into the darker side of celebrity and success.’ Thorpe has repeatedly denied rumors he is gay. In 2012, while promoting his autobiography, he spoke to an Australian reporter about the rumors.
'I don't want to offend by... getting angry about it, getting frustrated about it. The only part that I'm frustrated with is that people think that I'm lying.'
source: GayStarNews