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There is no credible evidence that John Wayne was gay.
Summary:
No Direct Evidence: No verifiable documentation, testimony, or credible source has ever confirmed that Wayne engaged in homosexual relationships.
Marriages & Children: He was married three times and had seven children, which does not disprove homosexuality but aligns with a heterosexual public life.
Era and Persona: As a symbol of American rugged masculinity, rumors occasionally arise to challenge or complicate such personas—sometimes as satire or social commentary, rather than based on fact.
Rumors vs. Sources: Over the years, there have been rumors, especially in fringe or speculative publications, but nothing from serious biographers, colleagues, or contemporaries substantiates the claim.
Biographers' Consensus: Reputable biographers such as Scott Eyman (John Wayne: The Life and Legend) found no indication of hidden homosexual behavior.
Bottom Line: Speculation about the sexuality of public figures—especially iconic, hyper-masculine ones like Wayne—is not uncommon, but in his case, there's no reliable evidence to support the claim that he was gay.
