Aaron Carter has penned an emotional open letter about his sexuality after revealing to fans that he has found "boys and girls attractive" since the age of thirteen.

The American pop-singer - best known for his track 'I Want Candy' - rose to fame in the 1990's and 2000'sand has hit the headlines recently after his arrest for driving under the influence and marijuanapossession.

Posting a candid message on Twitter, Aaron revealed that the topic has been "weighing on his chest" for a long time: "There's something I'd like to say that I feel is important to myself and my identity that has been weighing on my chest for nearly half of my life.This doesn't bring me shame, just a weight and burden I have held onto for a long time that I would like lifted off of me.

Aaron continued that he first became aware of his sexuality at around 13-years-oldbut didn't have his first experience with a male until he was 17-years-old.

"I grew up in this entertainment industry at a very young age and when I was around 13-year-old I started to find boys and girls attractive. There were years that went by that I thought about it, but it wasn't until I was 17-year-old, after a few relationships with girls, I had an experience with a male that I had an attraction to who I also worked with and grew up with."

Aaron has since thanked the public for their support, saying that the reaction to him coming out has been "overwhelming":“Your [love]and support means everything to me.I adore all my fans. Never forget that.”

This comes as Aaron and girlfriendMadison Parker splitlast week, with a source close to the couple telling ET: "The split was very amicable. Aaron is continuing to focus on his personal self with regards to his truth, health and music."

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