Russell Tovey apologises for comments about effeminate gay men

Russell Tovey has apologised after controversial comments he made about effeminate gay men in an interview over the weekend caused a social media backlash.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, the Looking actor thanked his father for not allowing him to go to dancing school and become “really effeminate,” going on to say that he believes it has given him a unique ability to be able to play both straight and gay roles convincingly.

“I feel like I could have been really effeminate, if I hadn’t gone to the school I went to. Where I felt like I had to toughen up. If I’d have been able to relax, prance around, sing in the street, I might be a different person now,” he said.

“I thank my dad for that, for not allowing me to go down that path. Because it’s probably given me the unique quality that people think I have.”

Following a backlash from sectors the LGBT community over his comments, Tovey has apologised in a succession of tweets made today (March 3), saying that he is “baffled” that an “inarticulate quote” has led to some people branding him “the worst gay ever”.

I surrender. You got me. I’m sat baffled and saddened that a mis- fired inarticulate quote of mine, has branded me worst gay ever Contd

— russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015

If you feel I have personally let you down, I’m sorry, that was never my intention — russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015

The actor added that he’s “proud” of who he is and insisted that he will “carry on being himself”:

I’m proud to be who I am and proud for others We’re in this together, I want you to know whatever you think I meant, I didn’t

— russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015

I’m gonna ride this out, and one day we will all look back on this moment with a half smile of fascination and amusement — russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015

Until that day I’m gonna carry on being me #lowersflag x

— russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015

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