I think a part of it is this pervasive sense of homophobia (although perhaps a less virulent strain) that permeates our culture and judges people by stereotypic standards of “maleness.” In Cowell’s case, he is just a little bit… well, less that butch. You know what I mean? Or, it may not be just a matter of maleness, but the fact that some men who are “male” enough, refuse to follow some expected standard (stereotypic) of behavior. Even more interesting than the facts that gay rumors follow some people, is the fact that some folks who are closeted, can protect that closet so well. Why is it that media will perpetuate the “is he gay rumors about some folks and turn a blind eye towards others?