‘Ripley’ star Andrew Scott elaborates on why he dislikes the term “openly gay”

Andrew Scott has provided additional insight into his distaste for the term “openly gay,” ‘Gay Times’ write.

In recent years, the acclaimed actor has received praise for his performances as Adam in the film ‘All of Us Strangers’ and as the “hot priest” in Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s comedy-drama ‘Fleabag’.

Alongside his compelling acting roles, Scott has been lauded for his candidness about his sexuality since he publicly came out in 2013.

“Of course, it’s part of my make-up, but I don’t want to trade on it. I am a private person. I think that’s important if you’re an actor,” he told The Independent at the time.

Despite embracing his sexuality in various interviews, Scott has also voiced his concerns about the media’s portrayal of LGBTQ+ actors.

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In a January appearance on ‘Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter’, the actor suggested reconsidering the use of the term “openly gay.”

“Here me out, it’s an expression that we actually only ever hear in the media. You’re never at a party, and you say, ‘This is my openly gay friend,’” he explained to Colman Domingo, Paul Giamatti, Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo, and Jeffrey Wright.

In a recent interview with Variety, Scott elaborated on his previous comments, highlighting the double standard in the questions posed to gay actors compared to their straight counterparts.

“It’s wonderful to be able to talk about sexuality in an open way,” he said. “But I do feel sometimes, other people – and by other people, I mean straight people – don’t have to explain or talk about their sexuality every time they go to work.”

The ‘Spectre’ actor added that the term “openly gay” implies he is being “defiant” merely by being himself, stating, “Be open about it? Why wouldn’t you be open about it?”

While Scott supports the use of “out,” he described the word “openly” as “a little loaded.”

Elsewhere in his interview, the ‘Sherlock’ star reflected on the recent media coverage for ‘All of Us Strangers’ and ‘Ripley’, noting that it often appears as if he only discusses the challenges of being gay.

“Sometimes I find it hard when you’re doing press because I feel so joyful and so emancipated,” he shared.

“It seems like I always want to talk about the difficulties that I have with being gay, when actually, it’s the greatest joy of my life.”

Scott’s recent interview follows his announcement of a role in the new erotic audio series, ‘The Queen’s Guard’.

Click here to read more about his steamy new project.

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