Paul McCartney Recalls Yoko Ono's Claim About John Lennon's Sexuality

The former Beatle says Ono told him Lennon "might have been gay" after his death.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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In a recent interview, Paul McCartney revealed that Yoko Ono, John Lennon's widow, once told him she believed Lennon "might have been gay" during a phone call shortly after Lennon's death in 1980. McCartney said he was surprised by the claim, as he had never seen any indication of Lennon being gay during their time together in the 1960s. The interview also touched on rumors about Lennon's sexuality that surfaced after he traveled with the band's gay manager, Brian Epstein, in 1963.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into the complex personal relationships and dynamics within the Beatles, as well as the ongoing speculation and rumors about John Lennon's sexuality even decades after his death. It highlights how even close friends and bandmates may have had differing perspectives on such a personal aspect of Lennon's life.

The details

In the Vanity Fair interview, McCartney said Ono called him shortly after Lennon's murder in 1980 and told him she thought Lennon "might have been gay." McCartney said he was skeptical of the claim, noting that he had "slept with John very often" and never saw any "gesture" or "expression" that would suggest Lennon was gay. McCartney also recalled rumors about Lennon's sexuality circulating after he traveled with the band's gay manager, Brian Epstein, in 1963, but he believed Lennon was just "playing into" Epstein's advances as a "power play."

  • Lennon was murdered in 1980.
  • Ono called McCartney shortly after Lennon's death in 1980.
  • McCartney and Lennon traveled with Brian Epstein in 1963.

The players

Paul McCartney

A former member of the Beatles and close friend of John Lennon.

Yoko Ono

John Lennon's widow, who was married to him for over 10 years before his death.

John Lennon

A member of the Beatles and Yoko Ono's husband.

Brian Epstein

The Beatles' manager, who was gay.

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What they’re saying

“I swear [Ono] rang me shortly after John died and said, 'You know, I think John might have been gay.'”

— Paul McCartney (Vanity Fair)

“I personally didn't think anything had happened. Certainly never heard about anything happening. But I saw it as: 'You want to deal with the Beatles? I'm the leader.'”

— Paul McCartney (Vanity Fair)

The takeaway

This story highlights the ongoing speculation and uncertainty surrounding John Lennon's personal life, even among his closest friends and bandmates. It serves as a reminder that the private lives of public figures are often subject to rumor and interpretation, and that the truth may never be fully known.