Wentworth Miller declined the invitation to be a guest at St. Petersburg International Film Festival because he cannot participate in an occasion that is hosted by a country that has an unfair treatment to gay men like himself.
In a letter, the American actor, model, screenwriter and producer said that the Russian government’s attitude towards gays and lesbians, how they “are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly,” is not acceptable.
Here’s the letter posted on GLAAD’s website:
August 21, 2013
Re: St. Petersburg International Film Festival / “Guest of Honor” Invitation
Dear Ms. Averbakh:
Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes.
However, as a gay man, I must decline.
I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government. The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly.
Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve, I’ll be free to make a different choice.
Until then.
Wentworth Miller
Member, HRC
Member, GLAAD
Member, The ManKind Project
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