Summary (tl;dr)

James Haven, the older brother of actress Angelina Jolie, has publicly come out as gay during a Substack livestream with his ex-wife, Romi Imbelli, sharing a deeply personal letter about his journey of self-acceptance.

Essential Background

James Haven, son of actor Jon Voight and the late Marcheline Bertrand, has largely remained out of the public spotlight in recent years, stepping back from acting in 2013. He gained some public attention in the past due to his close relationship with his sister Angelina Jolie, and more recently, for his brief marriage to Romi Imbelli in 2024, which was annulled in March 2025.

The Full Story

On Thursday, August 6, 2026, James Haven, 53, publicly announced that he is gay during a livestream hosted on his ex-wife Romi Imbelli's Substack. During the broadcast, Haven read an emotional letter detailing his personal journey to understanding and accepting his sexuality, reflecting on childhood experiences and stating that he was "simply gay". Romi Imbelli, who joined him for the announcement, expressed her unwavering support, calling him "family" and "one of the greatest loves" of her life, even as they continue to collaborate on adapting her book into a TV series. Haven described this public declaration as a "new chapter" in his life, marking his freedom after years of healing from childhood trauma. Additionally, he is set to launch a new podcast titled "Safe Haven with James Haven".

Why It Matters

James Haven's public coming-out is significant for its candidness, particularly given his association with a prominent Hollywood family. His story of self-acceptance and healing from childhood trauma may resonate with many individuals facing similar struggles, potentially inspiring greater authenticity and fostering understanding within families and broader society. The supportive stance of his ex-wife, Romi Imbelli, also highlights evolving perspectives on love and relationships beyond conventional definitions. This personal revelation brings visibility to LGBTQ+ experiences within the entertainment industry and contributes to ongoing conversations about identity and mental well-being.

Geographic Location

• None