Former “Teen Wolf” and “Arrow” star Colton Haynes has publicly come out as gay after a social media post in January raised fan speculation about his sexuality.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly published Thursday, Haynes said that his family and friends had already been aware of his sexuality, but did not feel comfortable discussing the topic until now.
“I should have made a comment or a statement, but I just wasn’t ready,” Haynes, 27, told the magazine. “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. But I felt like I was letting people down by not coming forward with the rest of what I should have said.”
In January, a fan made a comment about Haynes’ “secret gay past” on a Tumblr post, to which the actor replied, “Was it a secret?” Celebrity bloggers took the post as a confirmation that he was coming out, but Haynes didn’t make any further comment on the matter. Shortly after the post, he checked into rehab to deal with anxiety issues that he says led to ulcers. Haynes says his health issues were the main reason behind his decision to leave his role as the superhero Arsenal on “Arrow” last year.
“People want you to be that GQ image that you put out, but people don’t realize what it’s like to act 24 hours a day. I’d go home and I was still acting,” he said.
Haynes says he is now feeling better and entering a new chapter in 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.”
He is also thinking of ways to start a new phase in his career. One of those ideas is a possible return to “Arrow.”
“I would love to do more. They know I love them. I’d go back in a second,” Haynes said.
Thk u to @MarcSnetiker & @EW https://t.co/5aBDbPHz3F I believe in livin life to the fullest & takin control of your life story. More to come
— Colton Haynes (@ColtonLHaynes) May 5, 2016