Actor Andrew Garfield is not exactly being applauded by the LGBTQ community.
The Amazing Spider-Man veteran drew ire for saying, “I am a gay man right now, just without the physical act” while answering questions at a panel for the London production of Angels in America, Variety reports.
In the production of the acclaimed play, Garfield portrays a gay man battling AIDS. But the British actor drew accusations of cultural appropriation by saying he prepared for his role in part by speaking to “numerous friends in the gay community” and watching every season of Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
“Every Sunday I would have eight friends over and we would just watch Ru,” he said. “This is my life outside of this play. I am a gay man right now just without the physical act — that’s all,” Garfield reportedly said.
Backlash from members of the LGBTQ community was swift. Openly gay actor Scott Evans took to Twitter, writing: “You’re a talented guy, but you seem to be completely oblivious to what is coming out of your mouth.”
Others drew comparisons between Garfield and actor James Franco, who stirred controversy for his 2016 comment: “I like to think that I’m gay in my art in straight in my life.”
Andrew Garfield, pulling a James Franco while discussing acting in “Angels in America.” Straight actors, please stop this nonsense. pic.twitter.com/BPkJLPiZaJ
— AKA Kalinda Sharma (@Nico_Lang) July 5, 2017
Andrew Garfield watched Rupauls Drag Race to study for an upcoming role as a gay man. Ive been studying my whole life, can I have that role?
— Matteo Lane (@MatteoLane) July 6, 2017
Andrew Garfield is “gay without the physical act” because he watches RuPaul.
– Rich Straight White Men Try To Be Interesting Vol. 53
— akili (@broxbeeble) July 6, 2017
Garfield also went on to insinuate he would be open to a gay relationship in the future, the Gay Times reported.
“As far as I know, I am not a gay man,” Garfield said. “Maybe I’ll have an awakening later in my life, which I’m sure will be wonderful and I’ll get to explore that part of the garden, but right now I’m secluded to my area, which is wonderful as well. I adore it, but a big concern was what right do I have to play this wonderful gay role?”
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