Everything Marianne Faithfull said about her bisexuality as new movie Broken English released
Bisexual singer Marianne Faithfull’s career is spotlighted in Broken English. (Jacques Haillot/Getty/Vue Lumière)
With the announcement of Broken English, an innovative new film about Marianne Faithfull, here’s what the LGBTQ+ singer said about her bisexuality in the past.
Music legend Marianne Faithfull is arguably best known for her hit single “As Tears Go By.” She went on to commercial success with her 1979 album, Broken English. She earned a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for the recording.
Faithfull’s last album release was in 2021. She passed away in January 2025 at the age of 78.
Throughout her career, the singer was publicly candid about being bisexual.
In interviews, she remarked that she came out as bisexual when she was 17. Throughout her life, she had relationships with men and women.
She notably had a relationship with Mick Jagger from 1966 to 1970. Additionally, she married three times: John Dunbar, Ben Brierly, and Giorgio Della Terza.
In a 2020 interview with Curve magazine, Faithfull was asked about keeping same-sex relationships a secret in the 60s as her career blew up.
“I don’t really do it anymore. It was something I did when I was young and it was a lot of fun,” she explained. She also noted how she self-identifies: “I would say I’m bisexual.”
‘One of my great strengths was my gay friends’
In 2008, Faithfull spoke with LoverBoy, also opening up more about her sexuality.
Asked about why she thinks she has a large LGBTQ+ following, Faithfull shared: “One of my great strengths was my gay friends and this goes back to when I was really young. I never treated my gay friends any different to my other friends.
“I can’t say I really believe in marriage,” she also added when asked about civil partnerships.
Faithfull continued: “I would say one of the best things about being gay is that you don’t have to make these sort of life commitments. It’s like taking a step backwards.
“I have no problems with it at all and if they really want to do it then they should but I do think it’s a bit of a step back. They are taking something out of the straight world that doesn’t really work anyway. I mean, I’ve got nothing against marriage but if I could avoid it, I would be very happy.”
She also went on to clarify that though she had girlfriends, she didn’t “actually fall in love.”
“I came out myself in my autobiography,” she furthered. “It didn’t last though as I got older I found I wasn’t gay. I might have been though.”
What is new Marianne Faithfull Broken English film about?
Broken English is the forthcoming documentary exploring the life and career of Faithfull.
However, this is no straightforward documentary. Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard’s film sees Faithfull go on a unique journey, exploring her own life and legacy.
Actors Tilda Swinton and George MacKay play fictional characters who guide the viewer through the past, interspersed with images, clips, and interviews. The film also features Faithfull’s last ever singing performance.
The film’s synopsis reads: “Made with her full involvement, Broken English is an intimate and unflinching exploration of a fractured yet unbreakable life shaped by fame, creativity and relentless public scrutiny.”
When does the Marianne Faithfull Broken English film come out?
Broken English had its world premiere at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival.
In the UK, Broken English is being released on March 20.
