Freddie Mercury, the lead vocalist of the rock band Queen, was diagnosed with AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) in 1987. However, the exact details of how he contracted the virus that leads to AIDS are not widely known. Mercury was notoriously private about his personal life, and there has been much speculation and rumor surrounding his illness.
It is widely believed that Mercury contracted HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, through sexual activity with multiple partners. Mercury lived during a time when knowledge about HIV/AIDS and safer sex practices was limited, and the stigma surrounding the virus often prevented open discussion and education.
Regardless of how he contracted the virus, Freddie Mercury's diagnosis with AIDS was a significant moment in both his life and in raising awareness about the disease. He continued to perform and work with Queen until shortly before his death, which occurred on November 24, 1991, due to complications related to AIDS. Since then, his legacy as one of the greatest rock performers of all time has endured, and his battle with AIDS has contributed to increased awareness and advocacy for HIV/AIDS research and treatment.