Angelina Jolie’s older brother, James Haven, has publicly come out as gay, sharing his story during a live video conversation with his ex-wife, Romi Imbelli.
James Haven, 53, the son of actor Jon Voight and the late Marcheline Bertrand, revealed his sexuality on August 6, 2026, during a live stream hosted on Imbelli’s “Breathe Mija” Substack. The two exes-turned-close-friends appeared together on the broadcast to discuss how their relationship had evolved and how James came to share his truth.
How James Haven Made the Announcement
During the emotional broadcast, Haven read aloud a personal letter he had written about his journey toward self-acceptance. He recalled being “absolutely obsessed” with Disney princesses as a young boy, describing how he would secretly wear glitter and mascara and feel like himself in those moments. He explained that he didn’t have the vocabulary as a child to understand those feelings, but he always sensed they were part of who he truly was.
Haven added that embracing this side of himself was never about pretending to be someone else — instead, it was about finally letting a long-hidden part of his identity come forward.
Romi Imbelli’s Reaction and Support
Imbelli, who was present for the announcement, expressed a mix of emotions on the stream. She spoke about her internal struggle between supporting and loving Haven while also carrying the weight of a secret she had known for some time, though she affirmed that he would remain an important part of her life going forward.
Haven and Imbelli’s relationship has had an eventful history. The pair married in 2024, but Imbelli filed for an annulment just fifteen days later. Despite the brief marriage, the two have remained close, evolving into supportive friends in the years since.
A New Chapter: Haven’s Upcoming Podcast
Alongside his announcement, Haven revealed plans for a new project. He is launching a weekly podcast titled “Save Haven with James Haven,” produced by Wonder Peak Media, in which he’ll speak with guests about pivotal moments and turning points that shaped who they became. The podcast appears to align closely with his newfound openness about his own personal journey.
Who Is James Haven?
James Haven is best known to the public as the older brother of Hollywood star Angelina Jolie. Their parents are actor Jon Voight and the late actress and producer Marcheline Bertrand, and Haven and Jolie were primarily raised by their mother after their parents divorced when Jolie was just one year old.
Haven previously pursued an acting and directing career before turning much of his focus toward humanitarian work. He has notably been involved in raising awareness and support for people affected by HIV/AIDS. He is also remembered for a widely discussed moment at the 2000 Academy Awards, where he shared a kiss with his sister on the red carpet that became a lasting pop-culture talking point.
Family Reaction Still Unknown
As of this writing, neither Angelina Jolie nor Jon Voight has publicly commented on James Haven’s announcement. Haven expressed hope that his family and others in his life will choose love and understanding over judgment as he steps into this new, more open chapter of his life.
Fans and followers have flooded social media with messages of support for Haven following the news, praising his courage in sharing something so personal on a public platform.
What do you think of James Haven’s brave announcement? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates on this developing story!