Wentworth Miller comes out as gay, protests Russian laws.
Former Prison Break star tells Russian Film Festival "As a gay man I must decline" in protest at Russian laws.
- Published by David Knox
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Former Prison Break star Wentworth Miller has come out as gay following a letter he wrote, declining an invitation to appear at St. Petersburg International Film Festival in Russia.
Miller joins a growing wave of protests after President Vladimir Putin recently signed laws banning the promotion of gay, lesbian or bisexual lifestyles and making foreign tourists who are members of the LGBT community subject to arrest.
The protests are likely to impact on the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi next year.
Miller wrote:
Dear Ms. Averbakh:
Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes.
However, as a gay man, I must decline.
I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government. The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly.
Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve, I’ll be free to make a different choice. Until then.
Wentworth Miller
Prior to his statement published on GLAAD’s website, Miller’s sexual identity had been the subject of speculation but was never confirmed.
GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz said, “Wentworth’s bold show of support sends a powerful message to LGBT Russians, who are facing extreme violence and persecution: you are not alone.
” As people from across the globe continue to speak out against Russia’s horrific law, more celebrities and corporations should follow his courageous lead in openly condemning Russia’s anti-LGBT law.”
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- Tagged with Olympics, Prison Break
19 Responses
@ stevie g ……”He couldn’t have come out during the shows run, it may have affected the macho image of the show.”
Sorry I have to seriously disagree with you there. Anyone can play any role providing they are good enough, otherwise it would be discrimatory.
Two macho hollywood actors (Matt Damon & Michael Douglas) play the leads in Behind the Candelabra, under your criteria this would not be allowed as they are not gay enough in their real lives.
BTW BtC was an Hbo production and not given a cinema release in the US and only shown on tv
I miss Prison Break. He couldn’t have come out during the shows run, it may have affected the macho image of the show.
And it has just occurred to me the irony of someone named “Wentworth” being the star of a prison drama.
I’m dead shocked – I had no idea! My sister was crushed that I’ve actually got more of a chance than her. Superb to see such support against what has become a truly horrific social status in Russia. My heart goes out to all those being persecuted with their own country’s blessing.
You’ve missed the point @shazz. The fact he’s gay isn’t the big thing, the fact he chose to openingly identify himself as gay to make a stand against Russians being vilified is what’s important.
Maybe there will be wide spread boycotts to protest the situation, it’s a step back for all involved.
He is probably one of the hottest 41 year olds going around
Well done for standing up for his rights. Id expect this treatment of gays to happen more in america Putin is an idiot and why is he so afriad of them.
Wentworth still has one of the nicest smiles ever on tv. I loved im on prison break,
Aww, Mariah Carey is going to be so disappointed.
I knew he was Gay about 5 years ago! Just saying!
I think his letter is fanastic.Wentworth is now a serioes writer, having written Stoker, the new film starring Nicole Kidman
@smit0847, there is a very complicated and bizarre code in the media over what constitutes “officially coming out”. Matt Boemer on many occasions spoke freely about his boyfriends for years but it took an acceptance speech at an awards show where he made a vague statement in 2012 for it to be reported as coming out. jodie foster has been upfront about a 15 year relationship with a woman and still isn’t considered to be out.
He came out publicly months ago??
Putin has made it a criminal offence promote homosexual propaganda to *minors*.
There is an offences act that imposes fines for on Russians for homosexual propaganda directed at minors. It also imposes small fines, detention and deportation for foreigners. So far two dutch tourists have been questioned by police and released without charge.
There is no prohibition for being gay or detaining of people just for being gay as such. It is possible that promoting homosexuality in media would qualify as propaganda to minors, but it remains to be seen how the laws are actually used. So far two Dutch tourists have been questioned by police and released without charge.
The courts struck down similar laws in 2004 & 2006 for being vague and fines for material about something which is not a crime. This time Putin has created a criminal offense.
Putin is trying to harass civil rights…
Can’t say I am surprised. Good on him anyway.
My wife would be shattered…lol
@shazza they don’t “come” out during the shows popularity due to the fact that if they do, there will be a sharp decline in viewers. Females watched the show cause of Wentworth, so if they knew he was gay they would drop off.
There is some irony here. Did avoid being open about his sexuality at his recent career high in case it adversely affected his opportunities in his own nation ( ie somewhat discrimatory).
While these laws are widely disliked in western nations, they are fairly popular in Russia and there are far more draconian laws in place throughout the whole Islamic world and much of Africa. Not much complaining against the latter as it smacks of western imperialism.
Still he has made his point and good on him, but double standards and hypocrisy abound
Well done to him using his fame to shed light on this horrible issue.
I’ve seen pics of Wentworth circulating for years with a man on his arm. Its not “new” news so to speak but its definitely news worthy. Good on him for taking a stand, very proud to be a gay man myself. More celebs are taking a stand with Russia and it’s good to see people feel so stringly. Thanks for the post DK..
It would of had a greater impact when the show was running at the height of its popularity. Now no one cares. Just like the lead star of Kyle XY Matt Dallas only came out once his career was over.