James Haven, Angelina Jolie’s brother, has publicly revealed that he is gay, calling it the beginning of a new chapter in his life

James Haven has shared a deeply personal milestone, publicly revealing that he is gay and describing the announcement as the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

The 53-year-old, who is the son of actor Jon Voight and the late Marcheline Bertrand and the older brother of Angelina Jolie, made the announcement in an Instagram video posted by longtime friend Romi Imbelli on August 6.

Speaking directly to the camera, Haven reflected on the journey that led him to this moment.

“I, James Haven, begin a new chapter of my life,” he 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 ended his message by thanking those who have supported him along the way.

“So as my story unfolds, I want you all to know that I do it with an open heart, with nothing but love for myself and for all of you. Thank you for allowing me to be what I was meant to be.”

Haven opens up further during livestream

Haven later spoke more openly during a livestream on Imbelli’s Substack series, Breathe Mija, which she described as the final chapter of their shared journey.

During the conversation, Haven simply confirmed, “I’m gay.”

Imbelli responded with a laugh, saying, “As gay as gay can be.”

“I’m a lot of things,” Haven replied with a smile. “I’m trying to keep my humility right now.”

The conversation also included a memory about Haven’s late mother, Marcheline Bertrand. Imbelli recalled that Bertrand often called him “pony boy,” while Haven admitted he never realized the nickname had long been used as a term for a young gay man.

A message of love for his family

Reading from a prepared statement, Haven expressed hope that those closest to him would embrace understanding rather than judgment.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Imbelli also reflected on Haven’s decision in the caption accompanying the Instagram post.

“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.

Their relationship previously made headlines

Haven and Imbelli married on August 12, 2024, but their marriage was short-lived.

Although Imbelli confirmed to PEOPLE in March 2025 that the marriage had been annulled, court records showed she filed the paperwork just 15 days after the wedding.

Imbelli previously appeared on The Real L Word and was married to musician Dusty Ray from 2011 to 2013. She later married chef Charles Imbelli, with whom she shares a daughter, Frankie, before the couple divorced in 2019.

A life connected to Hollywood

Although best known to many as Angelina Jolie’s older brother, Haven also worked as an actor. He appeared alongside Jolie in the 1998 HBO film Gia and later reunited with her in the 2001 movie Original Sin.

The siblings attracted worldwide attention at the 2000 Academy Awards after sharing a kiss on the lips on the red carpet. During her acceptance speech for Girl, Interrupted, Jolie famously said she was “so in love” with her brother and thanked him for supporting her throughout the evening.

Looking ahead, Haven is preparing to launch a new podcast titled Safe Haven through Wonder Peak Media, where he plans to host weekly conversations with guests about their personal journeys and life experiences.