Finally someone said what we've all been thinking.
When "True Blood" star Luke Grimes reportedly quit rather than play a gay role opposite Nelsan Ellis in the cult favorite television show, the irony seemed pretty apparent. "True Blood" is without a doubt one of the queerest shows currently on television, and one couldn't help but wonder what Grimes thought he was getting himself into when he initially came on as a cast member.
Now, Ellis is opening up about his own thoughts surrounding Grimes' departure -- and he has a few choice words for the actor. When asked by New York Magazine's Vulture site if he'd had the opportunity to "talk to or bond" with Grimes, Ellis responded in part, "I didn't, but I'm completely ... I mean, I can say I'm not going to make a comment, but I just think that, you're an actor, you're an actor on a show that's "True Blood," we're all sitting there going, "You quit your job because ... really?" I'm just... I'm over him. You quit your job because you don't want to play a gay part?..."
When pushed further, Ellis elaborated on his feelings.
...You make a statement when you do something like that... If you have a child, if you have a son, and he comes out as gay, what are you going to do? If you have a daughter who comes out gay ...? You just made a statement, and it has ripple effects... I can't approach a character with judgment. I certainly can't tell my boss, "I can act what I want to act, but not what you tell me to act," especially on a show where you come in, knowing what it is... I didn't like what he did because he made a statement, and sometimes you have to take responsibility.
Grimes made headlines late last month when he left "True Blood" over reported "creative differences." However, it later came to light that he reportedly quit because the season seven script included a queer romance plot line between his character and Ellis's.
(h/t Instinct)
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