Hollywood LGBTQ actors threat from re-introduction of ‘morality clause’

Ezra Miller was warned that coming out would have a negative effect on his career (Picture: Gage Skidmore)

A new ‘morality clause’ in Hollywood could result in the exclusion of LGBTI actors.

According to a new report, the inclusion of ‘moral rules’ in actors contracts will force LGBTI actors underground

Unwanted management of Hollywood actors’ personal lives

Moral clauses first appeared in 1921 to protect studios’ reputations if an actor is found guilty of committing a crime.

The clauses helped to protect filmmakers from paying damages to actors ‘if the talent engages in conduct that results in adverse publicity or notoriety or risks bringing the talent into public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule’.

However the clauses resulted in management of actors’ personal lives altogether.

Kevin Spacey Emmy AwardKevin Spacey was rewritten out of House Of Cards following allegations of sexual misconduct (Image: Twitter)

In light of recent Hollywood scandals involving Kevin Spacey and Harvey Weinstein, the reintroduction of these clauses will leave LGBTQ actors open to scrutiny.

It is feared that this will result in them being forced ‘back into the closet’ to protect their personal lives.

Fear of reproach in Hollywood

In November, Fantastic Beasts star Ezra Miler said that gay stars are warned to stay ‘in the closet’.

This is for fear of their sexuality having a negative effect on their careers.

‘I was told I had made a mistake,’ the Justice League star told Shortlist.

‘Folks in the industry, folks outside the industry. People I’ve never spoken to.

‘They said there’s a reason so many gay, queer, gender-fluid people in Hollywood conceal their sexual identity, or their gender identity in their public image.

‘I was told I had done a ‘silly’ thing in… thwarting my own potential to be a leading man,’ he revealed.

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