James Haven Comes Out as Gay, Says He Is Ready to Live His Truth

James Haven, the older brother of actress Angelina Jolie, has publicly come out as gay, saying he is finally living the life he believes he was always meant to have.

The 53-year-old shared the news in a video posted on Instagram by his close friend, Romi Imbelli, on August 6. In the emotional message, Haven spoke about overcoming difficult experiences from his childhood and starting a new chapter.

"I begin a new chapter of my life," Haven 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 thanked supporters for accepting him, adding, "Thank you for allowing me to be what I was meant to be."

Haven also appeared on Imbelli's Breathe Mija Substack livestream, where he openly confirmed his sexuality. "I'm gay," he said. Imbelli joked, "As gay as gay can be," prompting Haven to smile and reply, "I'm a lot of things. I'm trying to keep my humility right now."

During the conversation, Imbelli shared that Haven's late mother, Marcheline Bertrand, affectionately called him "pony boy." Haven said he had never realized the phrase had also been used as a term for a young gay man.

Haven also read a heartfelt statement expressing hope that his family and others would respond with understanding and love.

"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," he said. "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."

Imbelli, who shared the announcement on Instagram, explained that her goal was not to reveal Haven's private life without his consent. "I wasn't here to out someone I love. I was here to help set someone free. There is a difference. In return he set me free," she wrote.

Haven and Imbelli married on August 12, 2024. However, the marriage was later annulled. Imbelli announced the annulment publicly in March 2025, though court records showed the paperwork had been filed just 15 days after the wedding.

James Haven is the son of actor Jon Voight and the late Marcheline Bertrand. He appeared in films including Gia (1998) and Original Sin (2001), both of which also starred his sister, Angelina Jolie.

The siblings drew major media attention at the 2000 Academy Awards after sharing a kiss on the lips on the red carpet. During her acceptance speech for Girl, Interrupted, Jolie thanked her brother, saying she was "so in love" with him and grateful for his support.

Looking ahead, Haven is preparing to launch a new podcast called Safe Haven through Wonder Peak Media. The weekly show will feature conversations with guests about their personal life journeys, healing, and self-discovery.

With his public announcement, Haven says he is embracing a future built on honesty, peace, and love, while encouraging others to see him for who he has always been.