Andy Cohen has finally addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his relationship with John Mayer, putting an end to speculation about their romantic involvement.

The gossip about a potential romance between the long-time friends escalated after Cohen made a seemingly tongue-in-cheek comment during an appearance on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show last year. Cohen admitted that he had spoken “flippantly and off-handedly” when he mentioned that he and Mayer were “in love with each other.”

However, Cohen clarified the nature of their relationship in a recent interview with the Hollywood Reporter, firmly stating, “Let them speculate! I honestly love John Mayer, and he loves me.”

Acknowledging the affectionate bond they share, Cohen emphasised that their relationship is purely platonic: “But because we’re so affectionate toward each other, people don’t know what box to put that in. They assume we’re sleeping with each other, which we are most definitely not.”

This isn’t the first time Cohen has addressed their close friendship. He previously described Mayer as someone who is “very in touch with his emotions.” Mayer, too, has reflected on their bond, noting the impact of their friendship, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.

When Cohen was honoured with a spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Mayer praised their relationship, saying, “When he inducted me into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, John Mayer said that I unwittingly have become a gay best friend to people who never had a gay best friend. That really moved me.”

Both Cohen and Mayer have approached the rumours with a blend of humour and sincerity, highlighting the misconceptions and stereotypes that fuel speculation about their friendship. Cohen, in particular, questioned the double standards that lead to such assumptions, pondering, “Are two men not allowed to say that they’re in love? Are we all so flipped out?”