James Haven has shared the most personal revelation of his life, announcing that he is gay and saying he is 'finally living authentically' after years of healing from childhood trauma and embracing who he truly is.
The 53-year-old actor, best known as the older brother of Angelina Jolie, made the emotional announcement during a livestream with his former wife, Romi Imbelli, where he read a heartfelt letter describing his decision to begin 'a new chapter' centred on hope, peace, and love.
His public coming out comes more than a year after his brief marriage to Imbelli was annulled, with both insisting the end of their relationship ultimately allowed them to support one another in a different way.
'I, James Haven, begin a new chapter of my life,' he said.
'After many years of healing from childhood trauma, I am now free to live the life that I believe I was always meant to live. One of hope, one of peace, and one of love.'
He added that he hoped those closest to him would see he remained the same person they had always known.
'I hope my family and others can choose love over fear, understanding over judgment, and connection over the beliefs that may have kept us apart.
'I hope they can look beyond the labels and simply see me with the same heart, the same laugh, the same soul they've always known.'
Livestream Marked Emotional Moment
Haven made the announcement during a candid livestream hosted by Imbelli, where the former couple reflected on their unconventional journey from lifelong friends to husband and wife, and ultimately to the end of their marriage.
At one point, Haven simply stated: 'I'm gay.'
Imbelli responded: 'As gay as gay can be,' prompting Haven to laugh before replying: 'I'm a lot of things. I'm trying to keep my humility right now.'
Following the broadcast, Imbelli explained why she stood beside her former husband during such a significant moment.
'I wasn't here to out someone I love,' she wrote.
'I was here to help set someone free. There is a difference. In return, he set me free.'
Haven also reflected on childhood memories that later helped him understand his identity. He recalled being fascinated by Disney princesses and secretly wearing glitter and mascara as a young boy because it made him feel 'more like me', saying those moments reflected his authentic self rather than a desire to be someone else.
Annulment Opened a New Chapter
Although Haven's announcement follows the end of his marriage, neither he nor Imbelli suggested the relationship defined his sexuality. Instead, they described the annulment as one chapter in a broader journey of healing and self-acceptance.
The pair married in Laguna Beach in August 2024 after more than two decades of friendship. However, Imbelli filed for an annulment just 15 days later, and the marriage was later dissolved after reconciliation attempts proved unsuccessful.
Despite the split, the former couple has remained supportive of one another, with Imbelli becoming one of Haven's strongest allies as he prepared to share his truth publicly.
Neither Angelina Jolie nor their father, Jon Voight, has publicly commented on Haven's announcement.
Haven concluded his statement by thanking those who had supported him throughout his journey.
'Thank you for allowing me to be what I was meant to be,' he said.
While Haven has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, his announcement shifts the focus from his famous family to his own story of healing and acceptance. By choosing to speak publicly now, he said he hopes others will look beyond labels and see the same person they have always known—finally living openly and authentically.
