Darren Hayes Announces Separation From Partner

Darren Hayes, singer and songwriter of the duo Savage Garden and now a pop icon in his own right, has announced his separation from husband Richard Cullen. 

Hayes took to social media to announce the ending of the pair's 17-year marriage, noting that "I'm an open book when it comes to my music and lyrics but an intensely private person when it comes to my family life. Despite the challenge to keep the most sacred and precious parts of my life just for me, I have felt the need to be honest to those who have always cared for my inner world about what's been going on in my private life these past two years."

"After 17 years of marriage to the best person I have ever met, Richard and I have chosen to accept that our union has gently and beautifully come to rest. In honour of this realization, we separated earlier this year and have been supporting each other emotionally throughout this massive change in our lives."

Hayes continues on, squashing any rumours before they arise.

"Because people will ask, let me answer the ugly questions to get them out of the way forever - no, there's no scandal to report, no infidelity, guilty or third party.

"We are still best friends. We always will be. Besides - we have a very cute and needy labradoodle to take care of - and the business of joy to attend to."

He ends the post by thanking his fans "and for being so gentle with this delicate thing we made."

Fans flooded the comments sending both parties love and support. 

One follower commented, saying, "I am so sorry to hear your news Darren and Richard, I remember at a concert you telling everyone that you and Richard had got married, and the roar and support for you both then was amazing. That support will carry on for you both."

Earlier in the year, Hayes talked openly with The Music about his earlier struggle with accepting his homosexuality when he was younger and how his journey is reflected in his newest record Homosexual.

Speaking on the new album, he said, “I think I'd started to see myself the way the media saw me, which was that it's almost like I was this, you know, lovely, harmless uncle Darren. I think we do that to gay people sometimes. We desexualise them because we can't bear the thought of what they look like between the sheets, and I was raging against that."

Read the full interview here.