Paul Prenter played a role in Freddie's life and inevitably to Queen's directions.
So its a valid question.
It would even be valid if Paul was just a lover. So get a grip.
It was the other way around.
Freddie used to kick the hell out of Prenter all over Garden Lodge. There are several photos where you can see a physically beaten Prenter. In exchange, Freddie often took Prenter's advice when it came to his career.
It was a trade-off.