Referencing Russia’s recent anti-gay legislation, former “Prison Break” lead Wentworth Miller used a film festival invitation as a springboard for revealing his homosexuality.
“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,” wrote Miller in response to Maria Averbakh, director of the St. Petersburg International Film Festival. “However, as a gay man, I must decline.”
GLAAD posted the complete letter, in which Miller articulated his issue with the Russian government’s view on homosexuality. It represented Miller’s first public acknowledgement of his sexuality.
“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,” added Miller.
Best known for his role as Michael Scofield on FOX’s hit “Prison Break,” Miller also appeared notably in the video for Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” (as well as her “It’s Like That”).
