Kate Winslet gets candid about homophobia in Hollywood
Los Angeles, California - Kate Winslet has revealed she knows "at least" four gay Hollywood actors who are scared that coming out would end their careers.
While promoting her film Ammonite, in which she and Saoirse Ronan are lovers, Kate Winslet sat down with The Sunday Times to talk Hollywood business. And she didn't hold back.
The Oscar winner shockingly revealed that some Hollywood actors – she knows "at least" four – hide their sexuality as they fear they will not be cast in straight roles following a coming out.
"I cannot tell you the number of young actors I know – some well known, some starting out – who are terrified their sexuality will be revealed and that it will stand in the way of their being cast in straight roles," she told the publication.
"Now that's f***ed up," the 45-year-old went on. "A well-known actor has just got an American agent and the agent said, 'I understand you are bisexual. I wouldn't publicize that.' I can think of at least four actors absolutely hiding their sexuality."
"It's painful. Because they fear being found out. And that's what they say. 'I don't want to be found out'," the Titanic star added.
According to Winslet, the film industry has long been tainted with "judgement, discrimination and homophobia." She went on to say that Hollywood's LGBTQ community needed a #MeToo-style movement.
Winslet's remarks come after release of LGBTQ-movie Ammonite
Winslet’s comments on the industry's homophobic environment come just a few months after the release of Ammonite, in which she portrays the famous fossil hunter Mary Anning. When Anning crosses paths with a young woman called Charlotte (Saoirse Ronan), the story evolves into a passionate romance between two women in 19th century Britain.
While Ammonite was showered with praise from many, some critics questioned why Anning was portrayed as queer, even though there was no historical evidence.
Speaking to Attitude magazine in March, Kate Winslet countered the critics, saying there was also "no historical evidence whatsoever to suggest she had relationships with men, none. And she was not married."
"So I think it should be permissible to explore an alternative love life for that individual, to delve into what might have gone on in the inner workings of their heart," she said.
Ammonite has been available for streaming on Amazon Prime since November 13 last year.
Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire