BuddyTV

Emmy-winning television and film director TODD HOLLAND has apologised for encouraging gay actors to "stay in the closet" at a Los Angeles gay and lesbian film festival. The Wizard director caused an uproar during a panel discussion at last weekend's (begs11Jul09) Outfest Film Festival, when he encouraged young, gay male actors to hide their sexual preference in order to maintain success in Hollywood. Gay rights activists reached out to Holland, who has now issued an apology through GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) to clarify his position. The statement reads: "As an openly gay man in Hollywood, I know first hand 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." (JMA/WNWCHP/IG)
- WENN.com