How did Jon Voight react to James Haven coming out as gay? Veteran actor's response to son's announcement revealed
How did Jon Voight react to James Haven coming out as gay? Veteran actor's response to son's announcement revealed
Gladys Altamarino Wed, August 12, 2026 at 1:26 AM UTC
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Jon Voight has reached out to his son, James Haven, after the actor publicly came out as gay, according to TMZ.
Insiders, who are said to be close to James Haven, said the veteran actor reached out to his son upon seeing reports on his coming-out announcement. During the conversation, Voight reportedly told Haven:
"I now know who you are."
James Haven, Angelina Jolie And Jon Voight Attend 25th Anniversary Screening Of "Midnight Cowboy" - Source: Getty
The sources noted that the veteran actor let out a small chuckle. The exchange was described as a relief for James Haven.
The Midnight Cowboy superstar also stated to TMZ that he is very close to his son and loves him very much.
James Haven—who appeared in Zia (1998) and Monster Ball (2001)—is the older brother of actress Angelina Jolie by two years. They are the children of actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand.
He publicly shared his sexuality during a livestream with his ex-wife, Romi Imbelli, on her Substack.
During the broadcast, he read a letter explaining his decision to come out.
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James Haven said he had trouble trying to put his emotions into words back in his youth. This is probably because of how he grew up without really understanding himself.
"When I was a little boy, I was absolutely obsessed with the Disney princesses. I would sneak glitter onto my cheeks, swipe mascara onto my lashes, and for those moments, I felt like magic."
He went on:
"I started wondering if that sparkle was something I had to hide to be accepted by the 'normal' boys around me. Like so many gay kids, I learned to question parts of myself long before I learned to celebrate them."
He also expressed hope that his family and others would respond to his announcement with acceptance and understanding.
Romi Imbelli supports ex-husband James Haven: "I'll always love him"
Before making the announcement publicly, Haven came out to Imbelli. In a separate post, she expressed her full support for her former spouse.
"Love doesn't always fit into the boxes we're taught it should. Sometimes it transforms. Sometimes it changes shape. Sometimes it asks us to let go of what we imagined so we can embrace what is true. I'll always love him. Just not as his wife, but as my family, my best friend, and one of the greatest loves of my life."
The ex-couple continues to maintain professional ties and is collaborating in developing a TV show adaptation of Imbelli's book.
This announcement from Haven was soon followed by his father’s and his friends’ backing of him. Voight is known to hold conservative political beliefs, which make his reaction to his son’s announcement all the more interesting.
The father and son have maintained a close relationship, according to sources familiar with the family.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
