"I'm gay." James Haven embraces freedom at 53 after split from wife
Angelina Jolie’s brother has spoken openly about his true self. The story behind his emotional revelation hints at decades of personal struggle, complex love, and a plea for understanding—inside Hollywood’s most watched family.
The news broke during a heartfelt livestream hosted by his ex-wife and longtime friend Romi Imbelli. On 6 August 2026, James Haven, aged 53, told the world: “I'm gay.” The candid confession came just two years after his brief marriage ended and marks a fresh chapter in his life.
Coming Out: "I am now free"
James didn’t simply declare his sexuality; he shared parts of a long journey through confusion and childhood trauma before arriving at acceptance. During the Substack session, he said:
“Today is August 6, 2026 and I, James Haven, begin a new chapter in my life. After many years of healing from childhood trauma, I am now free to live the life I believe I was always meant to live.”
He looked back on his early years:
“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.” James was clear this wasn’t about change, but about honesty: “Not because he's changed, but because he's tired of hiding. Coming out isn't about becoming someone new, it's about allowing everyone else to meet the person who has been here all along.”
Unconventional love and enduring friendship
James and Romi Imbelli shared more than two decades of friendship before marrying in August 2024 in Laguna Beach, California. Yet, their union lasted only 15 days—Romi petitioned for annulment on 27 August 2024. Still, a unique bond remains. During the livestream, Romi captured the moment, addressing him by his pet name and encouraging his truth:
“We get to be this and you get to be, Gem, what are you?”
Her support was unwavering.
“I didn't want to see it. I didn't want to believe. I knew it and I wanted to support you and love you.”
Post-annulment, Romi wrote online:
“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 describes James as family and said:
“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...”
A new voice and public support
James has announced plans for a weekly podcast, Save Haven with James Haven, though no release date has been confirmed. Meanwhile, Romi is preparing a memoir, Breathe Mija, chronicling her own journey. Media coverage has spotlighted Haven’s hope for acceptance:
“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... The little boy with glitter on his face and mascara on his lashes was never confused, broken, or something to be ashamed of. He was simply gay. He was joyful. He was brave before he even knew it.”
James urges kindness as he steps forward:
“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.”
The public reveal was shared on Substack and has drawn attention to his story and upcoming projects.
James Haven talks about relationship with sister Angelina Jolie
Family, fame, and moving forward
A new chapter opens for James Haven not just as Angelina Jolie’s older brother, but as his own person—embracing the full truth of his life. His journey carries echoes of old Hollywood headlines—like the well-remembered Oscars moment he shared with Jolie in 2000—and now, this is about truth and peace, not past scandal. For James, it means looking forward and inviting the world to finally see him as he has always been. Will his message spark more openness among other public figures, or even within his famous family?
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Angelina Jolie's brother James Haven comes out as gay at age 53... after split from wife Romi Imbelli: 'I am now free'
