Yesterday we reported on the controversy that had arisen over comments made by Russell Tovey in an interview, where he said, “I feel like I could have been really effeminate, if I hadn’t gone to the school I went to. Where I felt like I had to toughen up. If I’d have been able to relax, prance around, sing in the street, I might be a different person now. I thank my dad for that, for not allowing me to go down that path.”
Many took umbrage at the idea of ‘thanking’ someone for ‘not allowing’ him to go down the path of being effeminate, with some accusing him of internalised homophobia and denigrating those gay men who aren’t ‘straight looking’.
Now though Tovey has taken to Twitter to apologise, suggesting he wasn’t trying to say what it sounded like he meant, and was instead an inarticulate way of of saying he’s grateful for the career he’s had.
He says:
— russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015
I surrender. You got me. I'm sat baffled and saddened that a mis- fired inarticulate quote of mine, has branded me worst gay ever
Contd— russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015
If you feel I have personally let you down, I'm sorry, that was never my intention
— russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015
I'm proud to be who I am and proud for others We're in this together, I want you to know whatever you think I meant, I didn't
— russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015
I'm gonna ride this out, and one day we will all look back on this moment with a half smile of fascination and amusement
— russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015
Until that day I'm gonna carry on being me #lowersflag x
— russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015
Although some have already said they feel the apology is half-hearted, it’s unlikely anyone if thinking he’s ‘worst gay ever’, although perhaps he needs to think through what he’s saying a bit more in the future.
Really, Russell is just telling the truth. He is honest and his dad gave him the subtle realities of being a man. He knows how to open a door and have an approach for all people. It is like a female woman who will not let you open a door for her. She opens doors or lets you enter first. That is what men do. Takes nothing from his wet dreams.