Wentworth Miller is the latest celebrity to reveal he's gay.
The actor, who is best known as Michael Scofield on FOX hit show "Prison Break" star went public with his news, after being invited to attend the St. Petersburg International Film Festival in Russia, according to the New York Daily News. The actor declined the invitation in response to Russia's recent crackdown on homosexual citizens.
According to the message, which was posted on GLAAD's website Wednesday, Miller thanked International Film Festival director Maria Averbakh for the "kind invitation" but turned it down because, he felt troubled by the recent treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government.
"Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes," the 41-year-old wrote in a letter to the festival's director, which was posted on GLAAD's website. "However, as a gay man, I must decline.
" I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government," Miller said. "The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systemically denied their basic right to live and love openly."
Signed by President Vladimir Putin in June, the Russian government laws have banned the "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" and imposes large fines for providing information about the gay community to minors or holding gay pride rallies, the Associated Press reported.
According to the Daily News, there is also concern about a long-running problem of violence against gays in Russia, as well as, a new law restricting adoptions of Russian children by people in countries allowing same-sex marriage. The anti-gay propaganda law quickly stirred up controversy, with people calling for a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia to gay bars in Los Angeles and New York holding "vodka-dumping" protests.
According to E! News, a statement from GLAAD spokesman Wilson Cruz praised Miller's decision to come out, noting that the actor's "bold show of support sends a powerful message to LGBT Russians," telling them they are not alone.
"Wentworth's bold show of support sends a powerful message to LGBT Russians: you are not alone," Cruz said. "As people from across the globe continue to speak out against this horrific law, more celebrities and corporations should follow his courageous lead in openly condemning Russia's anti-LGBT law."
Miller, ended the letter by stating, when and if circumstances improve, he would possibly chance him mind about attending.
Earlier this month, pop star Lady Gaga tweeted about her outrage and disgust of the Russian government's treatment of the LGBT community.
Sending bravery to LGBTs in Russia. The rise in government abuse is archaic. Hosing teenagers with pepper spray? Beatings? Mother Russia?
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 5, 2013
The Russian government is criminal. Oppression will be met with revolution. Russian LGBTs you are not alone. We will fight for your freedom. — Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 5, 2013
Why didn't you arrest me when you had the chance, Russia? Because you didn't want answer to the world?
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 5, 2013