Freddie Mercury’s ‘secret’ daughter dies at 48 after rare cancer battle

NEW YORK: Freddie Mercury’s alleged “secret” daughter has died at the age of 48 following a long battle with a rare form of spinal cancer, just months after her existence was revealed in a biography of the late Queen frontman.

The woman, known publicly only as “Bibi,” passed away peacefully on Thursday after battling chordoma, a rare cancer affecting the spine, her family confirmed. She leaves behind two young sons, aged nine and seven.

Bibi’s existence was revealed last summer by author and music journalist Lesley-Ann Jones in her book Love, Freddie. According to Jones, Bibi was conceived during an affair Mercury had in 1976. While her real name and identity were never made public, Jones said she was provided with DNA evidence supporting the claim that Mercury was her biological father.

Jones said the Queen singer shared a close and loving relationship with Bibi throughout his life, maintaining contact with her until he died in 1991. Mercury reportedly referred to her affectionately as his “trésor” — French for “treasure” — and his “little froggie.”

Jones also claimed that Queen songs such as Bijou and Don’t Try So Hard were written about Bibi, reflecting the depth of Mercury’s feelings for her.

Following her death, Bibi’s widower, Thomas, said in a statement: “B is now with her beloved and loving father in the world of thoughts. Her ashes were scattered to the wind over the Alps.”

Reacting to the loss, Jones said she was “devastated,” describing Bibi as a close friend who had come forward with a selfless purpose.

“She wanted to challenge the lies and distortions surrounding Freddie’s life that have gone unchallenged for more than three decades,” Jones said. “She aimed to deliver the truth.”