James Haven comes out as gay: 'I am now free to live'
Synopsis
James Haven, Angelina Jolie's brother, publicly came out as gay on 6 August 2026 through a video posted on his former wife Romi Imbelli's Instagram — framing the moment not as a dramatic revelation but as the quiet culmination of years of personal healing. His words, and Imbelli's accompanying statement, reframe what a coming-out can look like: mutual, compassionate, and rooted in friendship rather than spectacle.
Key Takeaways
James Haven , brother of Angelina Jolie , publicly came out as gay on 6 August 2026 .
The announcement was shared via a video on the Instagram account of his former wife and best friend, Romi Imbelli .
Haven said he is 'now free' after 'many years of healing from childhood trauma.' Imbelli revealed she authored a book titled Breathe Mija , whose 'secret final chapter' is linked to Haven's coming out.
The full statement and final chapter were published on Imbelli's Substack .
Actor and producer James Haven, brother of Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie, publicly came out as gay on 6 August 2026, describing the moment as the beginning of a new chapter after what he called 'years of healing from childhood trauma.' The announcement, shared through a heartfelt video and written statement, drew an outpouring of support online.
How the Announcement Was Made
Haven did not post the message on his own account. Instead, it appeared on the Instagram account of Romi Imbelli — described as his former wife and current best friend — in a collage of photographs followed by a personal video clip. The caption read: 'The secret chapter is live.'
In the video, Haven addressed viewers directly: 'Today is August 6th, 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 that I believe I was always meant to live. One of hope, one of peace, and one of love.'
Romi Imbelli's Statement
Imbelli's accompanying written message offered significant context. She revealed that she had authored a work titled Breathe Mija, which she described as 'one of the most healing experiences of my life,' adding that it 'gave me my voice back' and reunited her with Haven as a close friend.
'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, framing the disclosure as a mutual act of liberation rooted in 'forgiveness, grace, and unconditional love.'
Imbelli also appealed to readers for compassion: 'We ask only that you give him the same compassion as he learns to walk through this world with his head held high, exactly as God made him.' She described their bond as having 'transformed' from a romantic relationship into a deep, enduring friendship — 'not as his wife, but as my family, my best friend, and one of the greatest loves of my life.'
The 'Secret Final Chapter'
Imbelli directed followers to a full written statement and what she called 'the secret final chapter' of Breathe Mija, published on her Substack. The post was shared with a note that Haven's mother had a pet name for him — 'Pony Boy' — and closed with the message: 'Happy Pride Month here in ATX,' a reference to Austin, Texas.
Who Is James Haven
Haven, born James Haven Voight, is the son of actor Jon Voight and the late actress Marcheline Bertrand. He has worked as a film producer and has maintained a relatively private public profile compared to his sister. The siblings have historically shared a close relationship, with Haven often accompanying Jolie at high-profile events in earlier years.
The disclosure comes amid a broader cultural moment of increased visibility for LGBTQ+ public figures, and Haven's framing — centred on personal healing rather than political statement — reflects a deeply personal rather than performative coming-out. How this shapes his next steps in public life remains to be seen.
Point of View
No brand moment, no red-carpet timing. The decision to route the announcement through a former partner's Instagram, tied to a self-published book chapter, signals a deliberate choice to own the narrative outside traditional media machinery. That Imbelli's statement is as central as Haven's own words raises an interesting question: in an era of curated celebrity disclosure, is the most authentic coming-out one that is co-authored by someone who loved you first?
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did James Haven come out as gay?
Haven came out through a video posted on the Instagram account of his former wife and best friend, Romi Imbelli, on 6 August 2026. The post included a personal video statement from Haven and a written message from Imbelli, along with a link to a fuller account on her Substack.
What did James Haven say in his coming-out statement?
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 expressed gratitude and said he was sharing his story 'with an open heart, with nothing but love for myself and for all of you.'
Who is Romi Imbelli and what is her connection to James Haven?
Romi Imbelli is Haven's former wife, who describes herself as his best friend following their separation. She authored a work titled Breathe Mija, which she says was central to her own healing and to reconnecting with Haven. She shared his coming-out statement on her Instagram account and published the 'secret final chapter' of her book on Substack.
What is 'Breathe Mija' and why is it significant?
Breathe Mija is a written work by Romi Imbelli that she describes as 'one of the most healing experiences' of her life. Its 'secret final chapter,' now published on her Substack, is directly tied to Haven's coming-out and is presented as a shared story of forgiveness, identity, and unconditional love between the two.
