Gay Director Apologizes For Encouraging Gay Actors To Remain Closeted
It's alright everyone, you can come out of the closet now. Todd Holland says he didn't mean it!
Openly gay and award-winning director Todd Holland has officially apologized for his remarks at this past weekend's Outfest Film Festival.
Todd had offered some peculiar advice to young gay actors, recommending they stay put in the closet, causing quite an uproar.
He released this statement to the community, apologizing:
"As an openly gay man in Hollywood, I know firsthand the tremendous challenges that people throughout the industry face in terms of being open about who they are. For people who know me, they know that I believe it's important for people to live openly and authentically, and I am sorry for my poorly chosen words at Outfest. At the end of the day, I hope my comments do not prevent us from having honest, thoughtful conversations about the significant barriers that make being an out actor in Hollywood an ongoing obstacle."
Sounds genuine enough, but it doesn't explain why he said it in the first place.
We'd like to understand that part as well, Todd.
[Image via AP Images.]
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GaGa Being GaGa
again, why IS it so important what sexuality you are?!?!?! my vision of true tolerance is, when no one cares and everyone shuts the fuck up already!
He said it because it is true, careers have been held back. But the point is, they shouldn't be.
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Glad he apologized.
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So, come out John, come on out Tom!
"I know firsthand the tremendous challenges that people throughout the industry face in terms of being open about who they are."
That is the explanation of why he said it….what are you not getting? He doesn't want people to go up the extra upheaval just bc of their sex when the business has to do with their talent. Regardless of the way things should be, sometimes for work you keep your private life private…which in my opinion should be all the time. You'r sexual orientation, drinking habits, who you hang out with, what floats your boat on the weekend….should all be irrelevant in the workplace. How do you make that happen…you keep your mouth shut and do work when you're at work. period. for everyone.
its shouldn't matter to anyone where somebody puts his dick. keep it private and do what you want, no need to broadcast anyone's sexual activity to the world.
He's right in a way. Who would believe a gay guy playing the hero opposite someone like Megan Fox???
Why can't we ALL be open about who we are?
Why should anybody have any challenges that people face everyday about who we are?
…we sometimes say dumb things. I don't but many do. Perhaps if he had had a cock in his mouth, he would not have been able to say it in the first place. Perez?
Again, he basically said that studios and publicty firms do not hire openly gay actors. Um, Ca. needs to investigate, That is a breach of their fair hiring practices. If that is policy then those firms and studios need to be cited.
You're in no position to require more than his apology. It tool GLAAD and the Advocate to light a fire under your ass!
Re: KidKoala – you Said "again, why IS it so important what sexuality you are?!?!?! my vision of true tolerance is, when no one cares and everyone shuts the fuck up already! "
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Spoken like somebody who isn't discriminated against.
Additionally, this guy needs to say just WHERE in hollywood the descrimination is. Bring it out into the open so people can choose whether or not they want to go see films produced by bigots.
I think everyone should come out! Then we'll know that the 10% that people keep talking about,would be a far higher number!
NOBODY should have to hide who they are!
He did explain it. He understands the challenges. He wants gays to succeed without fear of being outted and discriminated against. Honestly, I don't understand WHY sexual orientation has ANYTHING to do with ANYTHING other than when 2 people hook up. Is it really my business if you're doing it with a guy or a gal? Your business not mine, just as it's no one's business what I am doing. We need to keep things in check. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with being gay or straight… but why should it have any bearing on the rest of a person's life? Frustrating. Live and let live, people. If what someone else is doing isn't hurting you or anyone else, let it be. Judge not, lest you be judged.
He said beccuase even though it's wrong..it is still true!!
the reason he said it is because it's true. Sadly most of the straight world is distracted by someones homosexuality. It suspends our belief in a romantic character. It's not fair, or very 2009, but it is true. We don't want to know a gay man is playing a hetro man in a romantic role…
If you reread his 'apology', you'll notice that he didn't really apologize for having said it, simply for his choice of words. And good for him for not really backing down.
Bottom line is he spoke the truth. No 'up and comer' is ever going to get a shot at full movie stardom if he lives his gay life in the open. Way too much money is invested in making a star to waste it on such a small demographic. It's just a financial reality.
Re: rewod – you said "If you reread his 'apology', you'll notice that he didn't really apologize for having said it, simply for his choice of words. And good for him for not really backing down.
Bottom line is he spoke the truth. No 'up and comer' is ever going to get a shot at full movie stardom if he lives his gay life in the open. Way too much money is invested in making a star to waste it on such a small demographic. It's just a financial reality. "
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Yes, but by your logic that also means that they shouldn't ever have Asians, or other minorities in the movie because you are assuming that ONLY that demographic will go see them. Gay people, and people that don't stay away from movies staring gay actors will go see gay movies. i.e. a big percentage of the country.
Re: Spindoc –
Apples and Oranges, my friend.
I'll leave you to figure out why.
It saw his comment as being akin to a caring parent wanting to help their child avoid unnecessary pain by offering protective advice. I think his heart was in the right place, even if one disagrees with the end result, or not.
why would he say that? perhaps he is an idiot? or maybe he regrets being out and is speaking from genuine wisdom. Or maybe Lady Gag is not the only provocateur?
Maybe he's smart and wants to bring attention to the subject?
Mario you ain't the only one you know.
and Koala, you are a fool, how can ignoring the intolerable be 'true tolerance'. Ignoring 'the love that shall not speak it's name' is what has been going on fro the past thousand years.
Have you ever been made to feel terrible, or intolerated just because you're gay?
Isn't that just good advice?
I agree with him. Why should anyone have to declare it or feel the need to declare their sexuality. I'M STRAIGHT EVERYONE!
Re: brainchild – So true. This whole argument really is a moot point. If you are openly gay it is hard to be taken seriously. That is an aspect of someones personal life, that, sadly has an affect on their professional one. Much like the reason I dont do pride.
In a related story, celebrity blogger Perez Hilton has yet to make a public apology for trying to forcibly 'out' gay celebrities, or lying about the sexuality about randomly spotlit people. Again, people who use hate slurs in an effort to provoke people into physical altercations, and then sue them, do not have any place talking about gay rights. Your membership card is void, Perez.
Shitte, sexuality and the movie industry….y worry..if u have it do it…if u dont become a critic…
Kid koala, you're my hero. And Spin Doc, you need a hobby. Don't hate the world because it doesn't embrace homosexuality. You can't legislate people's gut reactions to differences, its just human nature. Being "openly" gay could easily limit an actors' potential roles. But so could being fat, or female, or nearsighted. A persons private sexuality should be just that. I don't show up and tell you what I like, where, and with whom. It shouldn't matter. And if you're tired of being discriminated against, maybe you should stop trying to force us to celebrate your gayness. So you're gay, who cares? Is your sexuality really parade worthy? I never threw myself a party for being straight. Why should we all have to participate in the whole "yay we're gay" shin dig?
What REALLY needs to be addressed is the discrimination of people with OPINIONS. God forbid someone speaks his mind these days!
Re: WeAreTheWorld –
Yup,I agree!