John Mayer Addresses Controversy Surrounding Friendship with Andy Cohen in Candid Open Letter

John Mayer Defends 'Platonic' Friendship With Andy Cohen After 'Intense Speculation'

John Mayer and Andy Cohen. Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Andy Cohen was recently questioned about his relationship with John Mayer in a profile by The Hollywood Reporter. In response, Mayer expressed his disapproval of the intense speculation.

The singer expressed interest in the interviewer's questions about their friendship with Andy Cohen. They found the idea that a straight rock star and a gay TV personality could not have a close platonic relationship to be questionable. Mayer pointed out that there is a history of rock stars forming friendships with gay icons and artists. Mayer identifies as straight, while Cohen came out as gay at the age of 22, long before he gained fame.

Mayer further took issue with the outlet claiming that Cohen’s fans were clamoring to know how two men could have a platonic relationship.

John Mayer Defends 'Platonic' Friendship With Andy Cohen After 'Intense Speculation'

Andy Cohen and John Mayer. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for SiriusXM

John Mayer wrote a letter addressing the doubts about his friendship with Andy Cohen. He believes that people should be able to accept and understand diverse relationships, without assuming there is a romantic aspect. Mayer emphasizes the importance of not reducing the concept of being gay to a simplistic, narrow view. He trusts that the public can appreciate their friendship for what it is, without questioning their motives.

If someone questions the possibility of a platonic relationship between a straight man and a gay man, it's not worth dignifying such a shallow view with a response. Everyone involved deserves to be treated with dignity, without the need for clarification from Andy or any publication.

Meanwhile, Cohen had actually encouraged fans to "speculate" about their relationship in his THR profile.

John Mayer Defends 'Platonic' Friendship With Andy Cohen After 'Intense Speculation'

Andy Cohen and John Mayer embrace on ‘Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.’ Charles Sykes/Bravo

Cohen shared in a recent interview that he has a great bond with John Mayer. Despite their close relationship, they are often misunderstood. People tend to assume they are romantically involved, but that is not the case at all.

The friendship between Cohen and Mayer dates back several years. Mayer has made multiple appearances on Cohen's show, Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. Additionally, Mayer gave a heartfelt speech at Cohen's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2022.

Mayer mentioned that John's voice on radio, his humor and charm on his late-night talk show, and his reality TV dynasty all brighten up our lives. He said that it makes our morning commutes a bit easier, our nights less lonely, and makes us feel like we have a friend among the Hollywood stars.

Cohen added that Mayer's speech had a profound impact on him.

Editor's P/S:

The article sheds light on the complexities of platonic relationships between individuals of different sexual orientations. John Mayer's frustration over the constant questioning of his friendship with Andy Cohen reflects the societal tendency to assume a romantic connection between a straight man and a gay man. Mayer emphasizes the importance of accepting diverse relationships without reducing them to narrow stereotypes.

Cohen's encouragement of fan speculation, while initially humorous, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals who deviate from societal norms. The public's fascination with the nature of their relationship reinforces the need for greater understanding and acceptance of platonic friendships that exist beyond traditional boundaries.