Summary (tl;dr)

James Haven, actor and older brother of Angelina Jolie, has publicly come out as gay during a livestream with his ex-wife, Romi Imbelli, on August 6, 2026, drawing significant public attention.

Essential Background

James Haven, 53, is known as the son of actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand, and the elder brother of actress Angelina Jolie. He had a brief acting career and gained public recognition for his close relationship with his sister, famously sharing a kiss on the red carpet at the 2000 Academy Awards. Prior to his recent announcement, Haven was briefly married to Romi Imbelli in 2024, a union that quickly ended in an annulment by June 2025.

The Full Story

On Thursday, August 6, 2026, James Haven made a public announcement that he is gay during a livestream hosted by his ex-wife, Romi Imbelli, on her Substack platform. Haven, 53, shared a deeply personal letter, emphasizing that "Coming out isn't about becoming someone new, it's about allowing everyone else to meet the person who has been here all along." This revelation follows the finalization of his annulment from Imbelli in June 2025, which she initiated in August 2024 citing alleged fraud.

Why It Matters

James Haven's public declaration of his sexual orientation is significant, offering a personal narrative of self-acceptance and authenticity from a figure connected to a prominent Hollywood family. His story contributes to broader discussions on LGBTQ+ visibility and personal identity journeys, particularly for individuals who come out later in life. His statement, highlighting that "coming out isn't about becoming someone new, it's about allowing everyone else to meet the person who has been here all along," resonates with many and promotes understanding and acceptance within and beyond the entertainment industry.

Geographic Location

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