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Apparently, the Puerto Rican singer had applied for citizenship in March, noting that his grandmother is Iberian with a home in Madrid. He also established friend and model Esther Cañadas' home as a residence.
Many say that this measure to obtain citizenship was in an effort to marry boyfriend Carlos Gonzalez, although there was no direct mention of any alleged wedding plans.
"I made the request for Spanish citizenship some time ago, I was just waiting for a response. This step is part of planning for the future within a global community of whom I am part. I was born in Puerto Rico. That is my country. Spain is a country with which I share many memories and strong ties born of my roots and the love they have given me since I first visited."
According to rumors, Martin and his partner could marry in a few states in the United States, but he prefers to wed in Spain to recognize the work of the Zapatero government in defense of gay rights.
Some controversy over the move emerged in his native Puerto Rico, with resentment over leaving behind his homeland. Martin did say, emphatically, that "I'm Puerto Rican, and that's my home." The move toward legalizing gay marriage has not seen any momentum in Puerto Rico, where Martin has said he would like to be married.
Another famous actor shared the honor of Spanish citizenship with Ricky Martin this week -- Academy Award-winning actor Benicio Del Toro.
Both Martin and Del Toro received dual citizenship through "naturalization papers" given at the discretion of the Spanish government under extraordinary circumstances. In both cases, the Ministry of Justice stressed closer personal and professional ties to Spain. Both actors will hold dual citizenship because they originate from Puerto Rico, which is a U.S. territory and thereby makes them U.S. citizens.
"I inform you that the government has granted Spanish citizenship to both Benicio Del Toro and Enrique Martin Morales, known artistically as Ricky Martin. ... Allow me to note that both are recognized for different facets artistically and they want to share Spanish nationality with all of us. The government, therefore, congratulates both of them," said minister Jose Blanco, spokesman for the Spanish government.
Martin has lived for several years with his partner, financier Carlos Gonzalez, and Martin's 3-year-old twin sons, Matteo and Valentino. In 2010 Martin made his homosexuality public, after years of rumors from critics and fans. He characterized being a gay man as "the gift of a lifetime."
Asked about marriage recently, Martin shot down the idea emphatically.
Source: Rafael Abreu
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