Wentworth Miller, star of Prison Break, screenwriter of thriller feature Stoker, massive hottie and owner of an excellent full name (Wentworth Earl Miller The Third) has declined an invitation to a Russian film festival, and publicly come out as gay in the process. Sorry, ladies.
Miller was invited to the St. Petersberg International Film Festival, but said “thanks, but no thanks” in light of Russia’s recently passed “anti-gay” laws, which ban “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations”. Miller penned the following letter responding to the film festival, which he supplied to US LGBT media monitoring organisation GLAAD.
“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”
Miller has publicly denied being gay in the past. GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz released a statement in support of his announcement, praising Miller for “openly condemning Russia’s anti-LGBT law.”
“Wentworth’s bold show of support sends a powerful message to LGBT Russians, who are facing extreme violence and persecution: you are not alone”
Earlier this week the debate over Russia’s anti-gay policies was fuelled when two female Russian athletes shared a kiss on the podium after winning the 4×400 metre relay at the Word Athletic Championships in Moscow.
Via GLAAD. Photo by
