I’m still really confused as to where the blackmail angle is coming from.
no paper was going to run a story suggesting he might be gay, not in this day and age!
a rumour is a rumour, he wasn’t held to ransom, even if he had be outed the person outing him would be the one to pay the price not him
he hasn’t murdered someone, just killed him marriage
this will protect him from all negative press for a long time, no media outlet wants to be accused of being homophobic.
his brand is Mr nice guy, and he’s 100% secured that brand now.