James Haven, the older brother of actor Angelina Jolie, publicly came out as gay on Thursday at the age of 53. The announcement was made during a candid discussion on a Substack livestream hosted by his ex-wife and close friend, Romi Imbelli.
Haven, who is also the son of actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand, shared that he is entering a new chapter in his life. He read a statement explaining his journey, recalling a childhood fascination with Disney princesses and a desire to express himself with glitter and mascara, which made him feel "like magic."
"It was never about pretending to be someone else. It was about letting a part of myself shine that had always been there," Haven said. He noted that as he grew older, he questioned if this part of himself needed to be hidden to fit in with his male peers, a common experience for many gay youth who learn to question aspects of themselves before celebrating them.
"Coming out isn't about becoming someone new, it's about allowing everyone else to meet the person who has been here all along," Haven stated, adding he was ready to share his truth not because he had changed, but because he was tired of hiding.
He expressed hope that his family and others would choose "love over fear, understanding over judgment, and connection over the beliefs that may have kept us apart." Haven wished for people to see him "with the same heart, the same laugh, the same soul they've always known."
Imbelli, who married Haven in August 2024 in Laguna Beach, California, filed for an annulment just 15 days later. During the livestream, she revealed that she had an inkling of his truth when they married but did not want to acknowledge it herself. She stated that while she did not want to believe it then for fear of losing him in that capacity, she ultimately wanted to support and love him.
Imbelli, who has known Haven for over 20 years, referred to him as her "love" and "life partner," emphasizing that their relationship continues despite the annulment. She posted on Instagram that she was not trying to out someone she loved, but rather to help set someone free, and in return, he set her free.
"Love doesn't always fit into the boxes we're taught it should. Sometimes it transforms. Sometimes it changes shape. Sometimes it asks us to let go of what we imagined so we can embrace what is true," Imbelli wrote, adding that she would always love him, not as a wife, but as family, a best friend, and "one of the greatest loves of my life."
Haven also announced he is stepping into a "new chapter" and feeling "free" through an additional Substack video. He stated, "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. One of hope, one of peace, and one of love."
Page Six also reported that Haven is set to launch a weekly podcast titled "Save Haven with James Haven," though a release date has not yet been announced. Haven and his sister, Angelina Jolie, are the children of Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand. The siblings gained public attention for a controversial kiss at the 2000 Oscars and Golden Globes ceremonies.