Tom Hardy rebuffs question about his sexuality: ‘What on Earth are you on about?’
Tom Hardy shut down a reporter inquiring about reporters asking celebrities about their sexuality.
The “Mad Max: Fury Road†star was participating in a press conference at the Toronto Film Festival on Sunday, where Graeme Coleman of LGBT publication Daily Xtra asked the British star the contentious question during the press conference about “Legend,†in which Tom Hardy plays both Ronald and Reginald Kray, the identical-twin crime lords of 1950s and ‘60s Britain.
“In the film, your character Ronnie is very open about his sexuality. But given interviews you’ve done in the past, your own sexuality seems a bit more ambiguous. Do you find it hard for celebrities to talk to media about their sexuality?†Coleman asked.
Hardy responded with, “What on Earth are you on about?â€
The reporter said he was referring to Hardy’s 2008 interview with Attitude magazine in which the actor admitted to having sexual relations with guys. (“As a boy? Of course I have. I’m an actor ... I’m an artist. I’ve played with everything and everyone,†Hardy told the mag.)
Coleman then repeated his question, asking if Hardy thinks it’s difficult for celebrities to talk about their sexuality.
“I don’t find it difficult for celebrities to talk about their sexuality,†the “This Means War†star replied. “Are you asking me about my sexuality?â€
When Coleman reluctantly agreed, the agitated actor asked “Why?†then abruptly ended the back-and-forth with a terse “Thank you.â€
See the exchange starting just after the 28-minute mark in the video above.
Incidentally, the “Dark Knight Rises†star is expecting his second child -- his first with second wife Charlotte Riley. The TV actress debuted her growing baby belly at “Legend’s†blue carpet premiere earlier this month.
On Monday, Coleman took to Twitter to respond to a supporter who applauded him for asking Hardy a “tough†and “completely relevant†question.
“Thank you! I really appreciate it. Not everyone agrees, but that’s just how the world works haha,†he tweeted.
Another user said that Hardy’s “Why?†should have been met with “because visibility, openness and authenticity literally save lives.†Coleman then replied with, “Great points! Unfortunately nerves got the best of me by that point. “
Follow me on Twitter @NardineSaad.
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