Manchester’s Simon Webbe has come to the defence of Blue bandmate Lee Ryan after the singer was arrested for allegedly drink-driving and being in possession of cocaine.
The Celebrity Big Brother star was arrested last week and Simon has broken his silence about the recent drama and questions surrounding his friend’s sexuality.
Speaking to MM, Simon talked about the incidents in the run up to The Big Reunion Boy Band Tour in October.
Although tentative when discussing his bandmate’s recent problems with the law, Simon said: “People label him with this shtick of him being a little bit thick and stupid, but he’s the total opposite. He’s a deep thinker and a lot of people aren’t on his level.
“He’s a good lad, and anyone who’s gone through any struggles like that will know what he’s going through. These are the tests and it’s just about how you react and what you gain from it.”
Ryan spent Friday night in police custody after being pulled over by police in west London shortly after 5.30am when officers saw his Range Rover being driven erratically.
Lee refused to be breathalysed and was charged with failing to provide a specimen and criminal damage – allegedly after he urinated in his cell.
He was bailed until May 2 when he will apear in court.
Simon took to Twitter to offer his support to Lee posting: “We will get through this our fans know you! Stay strong brother.”
On the outside you see one thing but deep down your sinking! @LeeRyanMusic WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS OUR FANS KNOW YOU! Stay strong brotherHeavy black heart️
— Simon Webbe (@simonwebbe1) April 12, 2014
The 30-year-old sent tongues wagging earlier this year when he revealed in the Big Brother House that he has had bisexual experiences in the past.
He told his BB house mates: “Yeah I’ve been with a man. Everyone’s done experimental shit. I’ll tell you later. Of course, man. I’m a well-travelled person. I’ve never admitted it anywhere. No-one’s bothered to ask.”
The singer responded to the accusations regarding his sexuality on his twitter page last week, saying it shouldn’t matter what sexuality he is.
“I’ve been asked by a few people why I haven’t reacted over recent claims & my answer is this: the claims that I am gay don’t faze me. I don’t care if people think I’m gay, why would I care? I would be proud. Sexuality doesn’t need to be defended or justified,” he posted.
I’ve been asked by a few people why I haven’t reacted over recent claims & my answer is this.. “The claims (cont) http://t.co/p7Snlk48uY
— Lee Ryan (@LeeRyanMusic) April 9, 2014
“In 2014 when individual sexuality is being celebrated, it’s odd that Twitter trolls and bullies focus on sexuality in a derogatory way.
“We have created change as a society, a really brilliant change and to those people who have not yet caught up to 2014 (for whatever reason) please just open your minds and begin to think #equal.”
Fellow Blue bandmate Duncan James, who Lee admitted to having a threesome with in the past, also hit the headlines last week when he described himself as gay despite saying he would sleep with women.
Simon was quick to put to bed any suggestion the boys have been, or would be, getting intimate on the current tour though.
When pushed to discuss Lee’s sexuality and the nature of Lee and Duncan’s relationship, Simon explained the situation too.
“Relationship… What really happened was when Lee was in the Big Brother house, he was speaking to Ollie from Made In Chelsea about his sexuality and he got the impression Ollie was uncomfortable and apologising for his sexuality, and Lee wanted to back him up and say ‘look I’ve had experiences with guys as well’.
“And all of a sudden a story from 2002 was put on the front page about Duncan and Lee having threesomes together.
“It was just another case of Lee trying to back someone up and it blowing up in his face.”
Blue will be joining 5ive, 911, Damage, A1, 3T and newly constructed supergroup 5th Story for the 15 date Big Reunion Boy Band tour in the Autumn.
And Simon believes the event will be just the right thing for Lee during this difficult time.
“He’s going to have the right support around him, he’s got us boys but mainly he’s got to do it himself, and he knows that now so he’s good,” said Simon.
Image courtesy of ITV, via YouTube, with thanks
