Little Richard

In an interview with Three Angels Broadcasting Network, Little Richard invoked his faith to condemn same-sex relationships and transgender identities, prompting renewed criticism in light of his earlier statements about his own sexuality.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

In an interview subsequently reported by several outlets, Richard described himself as 'omnisexual', explaining sexuality as something fluid.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

In a widely reported Penthouse interview, Little Richard stated that he had been gay all his life and described God as a God of love rather than hatred.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Personally implicated

At the Grammy Awards, Little Richard turned his appearance into a protest against the lack of awards and institutional recognition despite his major influence on rock and roll.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

According to PBS and biographical sources, the dispute revived in 1984 was ultimately settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

State of the evidence

Settlement

Attribution

Protagonist is the complainant

Charles White's authorised biography describes Richard using strongly critical religious language concerning homosexuality while defining his own sexuality in much more fluid terms.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Richard sought $115 million from the companies holding his catalogues, claiming that since 1955 he had not received the publishing royalties to which he believed he was entitled.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Protagonist is the complainant

Specialty president Art Rupe sued Little Richard for defamation following radio remarks in which Richard attributed to him a racist statement about Black artists' financial needs.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Accused

Federal judge Alicemarie Stotler dismissed the $115 million action, finding that the claims did not fall under the federal statutes invoked, while leaving open the possibility of a state-level action.

Attribution

Protagonist is the complainant

On 'Late Night with David Letterman', Little Richard stated that he had previously been gay but no longer was, explaining the change through his Christian faith.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Little Richard described escalating alcohol and drug use, followed by addiction to cocaine, heroin and PCP, which severely affected his life and career.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

Attribution

Directly implicated

Biographies report that Little Richard was arrested in Long Beach after being caught watching men in public toilets.

Attribution

Personally implicated

Little Richard sued Specialty, claiming he had not been paid, and accepted a settlement of approximately $11,000, relinquishing certain rights to royalties from record sales.

State of the evidence

Settlement

Attribution

Protagonist is the complainant

Person targeted by the proceedings

Specialty Records

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted