James Haven, the older brother of Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie, has publicly come out as gay, sharing an emotional message about embracing his identity after years of personal healing.Haven, 53, who is the son of actor Jon Voight and the late Marcheline Bertrand, announced the news in a video shared on Instagram by his former wife-turned-best friend, Romi Imbelli on Thursday.
James Haven comes out as gay
“I, James Haven, begin a new chapter of my life,” Haven said in the video, which featured a montage of photos and clips of the pair together.Reflecting on his journey, he added, “After many years of healing from childhood trauma, I am now free to live the life that I believe I was always meant to live. One of hope, one of peace and one of love.” Haven added, “As my story unfolds, I want you all to know that I do it with an open heart, with nothing but love for myself and for all of you.”He concluded his message by thanking those who have supported him. “Thank you for allowing me to be what I was meant to be,” he said.
James Haven speaks about his sexuality
The announcement coincided with an appearance on Imbelli’s Substack livestream, Breathe Mija, where Haven spoke candidly about his sexuality. During the conversation, Haven stated, “I’m gay.” This prompted Imbelli to respond, “As gay as gay can be.”The livestream also included personal reflections on Haven’s childhood. Imbelli revealed that Haven’s late mother, Marcheline Bertrand, affectionately referred to him as “pony boy.” Haven admitted he only later learned ‘[it] was a gay term for a young gay man.’
James Haven on being drawn to Disney Princesses
As part of the livestream, Haven read an emotional letter about discovering his identity. In it, he recalled being drawn to Disney princesses as a child. “When I was a little boy, I was absolutely obsessed with the Disney princesses. I would sneak glitter onto my cheeks, swipe mascara onto my lashes, and for those moments, I felt like magic,” he wrote.He added that, at the time, he did not have the words to explain those feelings. “I didn’t have the language back then to explain why. I just knew it made me feel more like me,” the letter continued.James explained that as he got older, “I started wondering if that sparkle was something I had to hide to be accepted by the ‘normal’ boys around me. Like so many gay kids, I learned to question parts of myself long before I learned to celebrate them.”His note further read, “That little boy with glitter on his face and mascara on his lashes was never confused, broken, or something to be ashamed of. He was simply gay. He was joyful. He was brave before he even knew it.”He explained he was tired of hiding and ready to tell the truth about who he is. James said, “Not because he’s changed, but because he’s tired of hiding. Coming out isn’t about becoming someone new, it’s about allowing everyone else to meet the person who has been here all along.”
James Haven’s message to his family
His letter continued, “I hope my family and others can choose love over fear, understanding over judgment, and connection over the beliefs that may have kept us apart. I hope they can look beyond the labels and simply see me with the same heart, the same laugh, the same soul they’ve always known.”
James Haven and Romi Imbelli’s relationship
Imbelli and Haven tied the knot on Aug. 12, 2024 and parted ways 15 days after the wedding. In her Instagram caption showcasing their relationship, Imbelli wrote, “I wasn’t here to out someone I love. I was here to help set someone free. There is a difference. In return he set me free.”Imbelli wrote, “I wasn’t here to out someone I love. I was here to help set someone free. There is a difference. In return he set me free.”