Rumors have circulated for years surrounding Arrow & Teen Wolf’s star Colton Haynes, but in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he has opened up about his inner struggles.
A question directed at the fact that Colton has walked away from two popular TV shows, prompted him to open up about his battle with anxiety. “I asked to step away because I cared more about my mental and physical health…” he stated. He then went on to explain, “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.” With that quote alone, it is evident that the magnitude of his anxiety was much larger than he could handle.
As Colton left Arrow in 2015, he used social media to create a medium and keep communication with fans. But a post made to popular blogging site Tumblr, back in January, sparked interest surrounding his sexuality. The post commented on his apparent “secret gay past”, which linked with past modeling photos, to which Colton replied, “was is a secret?” The internet took this as his coming out, but Colton, who didn’t give the comment much thought, got a shock when the discussion exploded.
Colton explained to EW that he felt shocked by the sudden media attraction and the fact that he was making so many headlines. The article states “…Haynes, who is in fact gay, but has never publicly addressed his sexuality”. The article then goes on to explain that he felt like he should have said something, but he didn’t feel like he was in debt to speak to anyone, it was his choice, although he felt he was letting people down.
In the wake of the mass media headlines, Colton didn’t comment, and couldn’t, as he checked into rehab for his anxiety, which in result needed him “frequently back in the hospital over the next three months”.
It is revealed that Colton has been out to his close friends and family, his high school friends, and his cast members, for most of his life. He admits, “people want you to be that GQ image that you put out… I’d go home and I was still acting” he then elaborates “people who are so judgmental about those who are gay or different don’t realise that acting 24 hours a day is the most exhausting thing in the world.”
Currently, Colton is filled with positive energy and is looking to start a new chapter in his life, it is said he’s got his eye on working on more projects closer to his own passions. He ends his interview with “I’m happier than I’ve ever been, healthier than I’ve ever been, and that’s what I care about.”
We support you and wish you the best, Colton.
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