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5 Tragic Truths About Bobby DeBarge: Was He Gay, His Battle With AIDS, And The Untold Family Secrets

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The legacy of Robert "Bobby" DeBarge Jr., the charismatic lead singer of the Motown group Switch, remains a complex tapestry of musical genius and profound personal tragedy. The curiosity surrounding his life, especially his sexuality, has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly following the release of the 2019 biopic, "The Bobby DeBarge Story." As of late 2025, new discussions and revelations from family members continue to shed light on the intensely private and often painful details of his life, demanding a deeper, more sensitive look at the man behind the music. The persistent question, "was Bobby DeBarge gay," is a central part of this renewed interest, but the full answer is inextricably linked to the deeper traumas of his life, including his struggles with drug addiction, a five-year prison sentence, and his untimely death from complications related to AIDS in 1995. Understanding the full scope of Bobby's personal journey requires moving beyond simple labels and exploring the complex family dynamics and personal battles that defined his existence.

Bobby DeBarge: A Complete Biography and Profile

Robert Louis DeBarge Jr., known simply as Bobby DeBarge, was a musical prodigy whose life was cut tragically short. He was the eldest of the famous DeBarge siblings and instrumental in paving the way for his younger brothers and sisters' success in the music industry.
  • Full Name: Robert Louis DeBarge Jr.
  • Date of Birth: March 5, 1956
  • Place of Birth: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
  • Died: August 16, 1995 (Aged 39)
  • Cause of Death: Complications from AIDS
  • Occupation: Singer, Musician, Drummer, Producer, Songwriter
  • Primary Group: Lead vocalist and drummer for the R&B/funk band Switch (1976–1981)
  • Associated Acts: Switch, DeBarge (as a producer and mentor)
  • Spouses: Married twice
  • Children: Nine children from three known women
  • Notable Legal Issues: Served a five-year prison sentence for a drug trafficking charge (1988–1993)

The Truth About Bobby DeBarge's Sexuality: Gay or Bisexual?

The question of Bobby DeBarge's sexuality has been a topic of speculation for decades, but sources close to the family and historical accounts strongly suggest that he was bisexual. This is a crucial distinction from simply being gay, indicating that he was attracted to both men and women. The public discussion around his sexuality gained significant traction when his younger brother, Mark DeBarge, spoke about the pressure his older brother faced. Mark DeBarge reportedly shared his thoughts on his big brother’s bisexuality, acknowledging the difficulty of "coming out" in the 1980s R&B and Motown scene. Furthermore, various historical and media accounts, including discussions on The Black Gay History Channel, have explicitly referred to him as a "Bisexual 80's Pop Star Bobby Debarge," confirming that this aspect of his life was known within certain circles. It is also known that he was married twice and fathered nine children, which aligns with a bisexual identity. This complexity of having both public marriages and private same-sex relationships was not uncommon for artists struggling with their identity in that era. The tragic reality is that Bobby DeBarge contracted AIDS, which ultimately led to his death. While the mode of transmission is not definitively public, his AIDS diagnosis, coupled with the family's confirmation of his bisexuality, forms a significant, painful part of his life story, especially given the stigma surrounding the disease and same-sex relationships at the time.

The Overwhelming Tragedy of Addiction, Abuse, and AIDS

Bobby DeBarge's life was a constant battle against overwhelming personal demons and family trauma that began long before his rise to fame with Switch. His musical success, marked by hits like "There'll Never Be" and "I Call Your Name," was perpetually overshadowed by a dark, private reality.

The Root of the Trauma: Family Abuse

A devastating layer of tragedy in the DeBarge family history is the widespread sexual abuse inflicted by the patriarch, Robert DeBarge Sr., on his children. Chico DeBarge, another of the siblings, has publicly stated that their father sexually molested many of his brothers and sisters. This history of abuse is believed to have contributed significantly to the emotional pain, substance abuse, and struggles with identity that plagued Bobby and many of his siblings, including El DeBarge and Chico DeBarge.

The Battle with Heroin Addiction and Incarceration

Bobby DeBarge struggled with a severe heroin addiction that consumed much of his adult life. His substance abuse issues led to a drug trafficking charge in 1988. He was subsequently sentenced to five years in a federal prison. This period of incarceration marked a devastating pause in his career and personal life, and he was not released until 1993.

The Final Years: AIDS and Legacy

Upon his release from prison, Bobby attempted a return to music, but his health was rapidly deteriorating. He had contracted HIV, which progressed to AIDS sometime in the late 1980s, prior to his incarceration. He spent his final years struggling with the disease, eventually succumbing to complications from AIDS on August 16, 1995, at the age of 39. His final musical effort, the album It's Not Over, serves as a poignant, posthumous reflection on his life and struggles. The story of Bobby DeBarge, from his Motown stardom with Switch to his tragic death, is a powerful and heartbreaking cautionary tale about the intersection of fame, addiction, and unresolved trauma. His enduring legacy is not just the beautiful music he created, but the profound, painful truths the DeBarge family has since revealed about the hidden struggles behind the spotlight.
was bobby debarge gay
was bobby debarge gay

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