Colton Haynes Comes Out: Did He Quit ‘Arrow’ Because Of His Sexuality?


Colton Haynes is the name of a 27-year-old who went from being a farm boy to a New York model to a Los Angeles actor. Haynes is known for two major roles, which include jock Jackson Whittemore on MTV’s Teen Wolf and the hooded vigilante Arsenal on The CW’s Arrow. While a little time has passed since Colton Haynes walked away from both Teen Wolf and Arrow, Haynes has recently confirmed his sexuality to the media. This has left many fans questioning whether or not his sexuality had anything to do with walking away from the two major, career-changing roles. Was Haynes the victim of homophobia or bullying on set?

Haynes elaborated on why he stepped away from Arrow during an interview with Entertainment Weekly.

“I asked to step away because I cared more about my mental and physical health than my career at the time.”

For some time, Haynes has been struggling to deal with his clinical anxiety and the immense pressure of being in the public eye 24 hours a day finally caught up with him.

“I’ve had terminal anxiety my entire life. Physically ill, fainting. I’m 27 years old, and I have an ulcer. I had to step back.”

Many Arrow fans were shocked and disappointed to learn that Roy Harper left his Arsenal costume with Thea to become a mechanic. After all, it didn’t take long for Roy Harper to find his way into the hearts of fans when he debuted on the show because he had a rich backstory and carried a lot of traits fans were able to empathize with. Fans, however, didn’t realize Haynes was struggling with a lot of personal issues in real life, too.

As shocked and disappointed as many fans were to learn that Colton Haynes was walking away from Arrow, it was the confirmation about his sexuality that became the real nail biter.

“It was a complete shock. I [Colton Haynes] wasn’t ready to be back in the headlines…I should have made a comment or a statement, but I just wasn’t ready. 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.”

Unfortunately, coming out of the closet and clinical anxiety are not the best combination as it just thrusted Haynes back under the microscope of the public eye.

Rumors about Haynes’ sexuality started to fly after he responded to the following message posted on Tumblr.

“When I found out Colton Haynes had a secret gay past, I got so excited even though I know it makes absolutely no difference in my life.”

According to the Inquisitr, Colton Haynes responded to the message with the following comment.

“Was it a secret? Let’s all just enjoy life and have no regrets.”

Unfortunately, Haynes did not clarify or make any additional comments following that statement four months ago when it was made.

The Morning Ledger reported that there have been no judgments made by the staff or cast of the Arrow regarding Colton Haynes’ sexuality. In fact, Haynes confirmed leaving Arrow and Teen Wolf had nothing to do with his sexuality. He walked away from his career-changing roles because acting 24 hours a day was especially difficult for someone with clinical anxiety. Colton had to walk away for the better of his health.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Colton Haynes did not live a life in the closet. In fact, he had been out of the closet for most of his life. This included being out to his family, his friends, and his high school. He was even out to his cast members and his Hollywood bosses such as Greg Berlanti (the creator of Arrow). Due to his issues with clinical anxiety and his struggle with being accepted in Hollywood with an LGBT identity, Haynes had never publically confirmed his homosexuality to the world.

During his interview with Entertainment Weekly, Colton Haynes made it clear that he did not feel as though he owed an explanation of his sexuality to anyone.

Do you think there are actors or actresses in Hollywood who hide their sexuality because they are afraid of how their fans, their bosses, and their cast will take it? And what do you think about Colton Haynes walking away from Arrow? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

[Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images]

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