Ricky Martin receives a standing ovation as he makes first public appearance since coming out

Back in the spotlight: Ricky Martin makes his first public appearance since 'coming out' at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in Puerto Rico

Ricky Martin received a standing ovation from his contemporaries as he made his first public appearance since revealing his homosexuality last night.

Stepping on stage at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in his native Puerto Rico, the 38-year-old singer was warmly received by his peers.

The pop star's attendance marked the first time he's been seen in public since he 'came out' as gay on his website on March 29.

Introducing a fellow Latin act on stage, Martin took the opportunity to attack Arizona officials for their controversial new law which will allow police to stop anyone they think will be an illegal immigrant.

Speaking in his native Spanish, Martin said: 'This is not in the script... this law makes no sense.

'You are not alone. We are with you. Put a stop to discrimination. Put a stop to hate. Put a stop to racism.'

Stars in the audience, including Canadian R&B star Nelly Furtado, rapper Wyclef Jean, Mexican singers Thalia and Paulina Rubio, rose to their feet as they applauded Martin's passionate speech.


'Long live love, long live peace': Martin hit out at Arizona's controversial new immigration law


He added: 'Long live love, long live peace.'

Martin came out on his official website last month following years of speculation.

He admitted he had the courage to be honest about his sexuality after becoming a father to twins sons via a surrogate in August 2008.

He said: 'I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.'

The She Bangs singer admitted many of his advisers in the Latin music industry advised him to keep quiet over his sexuality.


Glammed up: Canadian singer Nelly Furtado wore an eye-catching yellow dress on the red carpet, before changing into jeans and leather top for her performance

He continued: 'Many people told me: "Ricky it's not important, it's not worth it, all the years you've worked and everything you've built will collapse, many people in the world are not ready to accept your truth, your reality, your nature".

'Because all this advice came from people who I love dearly, I decided to move on with my life not sharing with the world my entire truth.

'Allowing myself to be seduced by fear and insecurity became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sabotage. Today I take full responsibility for my decisions and my actions.'

Martin wasn't the only star to publicly criticise Arizona's new law - Rubio and fellow Mexican singer Larry Henandez - who started his career in the U.S. state - also chastised it.


Latin lovelies: Mexican singers Paulina Rubio (left) and Thalia - current wife of Mariah Carey's ex-husband Tommy Mottola


Hernandez said: 'It's regrettable that they are discriminating against us for the simple fact of looking Latino. It's not fair. We have to say no to that law.'

The new law, signed off by Arizona governor Jan Brewer last week, gives police permission to ask anyone they suspect of being an immigrant about their status in the country, and if they are not carrying any proper paperwork, they will be considered as committing a crime.

Earlier this week, Colombian singer Shakira visited the Arizona state capital of Phoenix to discuss the law with local officials.


Support: Rapper Wyclef Jean flies the flag for his native Haiti, while Marc Anthony accepted an award for his philanthropic efforts


source: dailymail