In the first episode, Ricky’s Antonio took on a major role in the show, as he was quizzed about his relationship with Gianni, including their sexual relationship, while he is covered in his blood.
Antonion is also seen having a frosty relationship with his sister, Donatella.
Known for his catchy pop hits, including She Bangs and Livin’ La Vida Loca, the dramatic turn was a surprise welcomed by fans, who praised him for his portrayal of the grieving lover.
“Wow. #AmericanCrimeStory had a great first episode and really set the tone. And who knew Ricky Martin could act?! #GianniVersace #90sforever” wrote one fan.
Another wrote: “Ricky Martin is frigging AMAZING in #Versace. I assume he’s up for awards just based upon the first episode.”
While another couldn’t help but add: “If nothing else, I’m delighted to see Ricky Martin! I’m not expecting a chorus of She Bangs but if it can happen….. #AmericanCrimeStory”
A fourth simply wrote: Who knew Ricky Martin could act?
Meanwhile, a second strand of tonight’s episode followed serial killer Andrew Cunanan, 27, played by Darren Criss.
Cunanan had already killed four men in the US when he gunned down 50-year-old Versace on the steps of his Miami home.
The drama is based on a 1997 book by journalist Maureen Orth, who spoke to witnesses claiming Versace met his killer Cunanan in San Francisco nightspot Colossus in 1990.
Penelope Cruz plays his sister Donatella, who gained the keys to his fashion empire after his death.
Meanwhile, the real life Versace family have slammed the producers of the show, including creator Ryan Murphy, for going ahead with the production – claiming that the book it was based on was a “work of fiction” and denied any involvement.
The statement read: “As we have said, the Versace family has neither authorized nor had any involvement whatsoever in the forthcoming TV series about the death of Mr. Gianni Versace, which should only be considered as a work of fiction.
"The company producing the series claims it is relying on a book by Maureen Orth, but the Orth book itself is full of gossip and speculation. Orth never received any information from the Versace family and she has no basis to make claims about the intimate personal life of Gianni Versace or other family members.
“Instead, in her effort to create a sensational story, she presents second-hand hearsay that is full of contradictions.”
At the end of each episode, a title card has been put in place that reads: “This series is inspired by true events and investigative reports. Some events are combined or imagined for dramatic and interpretive purposes.
“Dialogue is imagined to be consistent with these events.”
Ricky Martin praised for his acting in The Assassination of Gianni Versace
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