The Internet's Reaction To Barry Manilow Coming Out Was Priceless

Barry Manilow sent the internet into a tizzy Tuesday after he opened up about his sexuality for the first time. 

The “Copacabana” crooner, 73, confirmed to People magazine that he’d been in a relationship with husband Garry Kief, who is also his manager, since 1978. Though a number of media outlets had previously reported on the couple’s 2014 wedding, Manilow hadn’t acknowledged the reports until this week. His reason for staying quiet about his sexuality, he said, was his concern about how his legions of fans, or “Fanilows,” would react. “I thought I would be disappointing them if they knew I was gay,” he told People. “So I never did anything.” 

Manilow admitted in the interview that he was “grateful” to be proven wrong, as the response from his fans ended up being “so beautiful.” Similarly, his decision to come out was lauded by many on Twitter, including some A-list stars. 

Some users offered a cheekier take... 

Still, “Pitch Perfect” star Anna Kendrick and others took a more serious approach, responding to those who mocked Manilow’s revelation after years of rampant media speculation.  

Manilow took to Twitter shortly after the People interview was published, and vowed to continue making music in the years to come.

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