“Arrow” star Colton Haynes has never publicly addressed his sexuality — until now.
The actor has come out in an interview with Entertainment Weekly and says he is happy.
Haynes became a teen heartthrob with his roles as Jackson Whittemore on MTV’s hit “Teen Wolf” and as Arsenal on The CW’s “Arrow.” But he stepped away and sought help for issues with anxiety.
“I’ve had terminal anxiety my entire life,” he said. “Physically ill, fainting. I’m 27 years old, and I have an ulcer. I had to step back.”
‘Was it a secret?’
In January a fan mentioned the actor’s “secret gay past,” on a Tumblr post and Haynes responded “Was it a secret?”
That set off a firestorm which the star said completely shocked him. He wasn’t at the point yet where he wanted to discuss his sexuality, Haynes said.
“I should have made a comment or a statement, but I just wasn’t ready,” he said. “I didn’t feel like I owed anyone anything. I think in due time, everyone has to make those decisions when they’re ready, and I wasn’t yet.”
So even though he’s been out to those close to him, Haynes chose to remain silent. Like many actors in Hollywood he knew how judgmental some could be, he said.
But these days, the star feels more supported and in a good place so he is ready to go public about that part of his life.
“It took me so long to get to this point, but I’m doing so good,” he said. “I’m happier than I’ve ever been, and healthier than I’ve ever been, and that’s what I care about.”