Red, White & Royal Blue’s Taylor Zakhar Perez defends Nicholas Galitzine from “rude” sexuality questions
Taylor Zakhar Perez has come to the defence of his Red, White & Royal Blue co-star Nicholas Galitzine from ‘rude and unprofessional’ questions about his sexuality.
Earlier this month, Galitzine expressed “guilt” over taking on queer roles “as a straight man”. As well as his beloved performance in the Prime Video rom-com, the British actor has played queer in Legends (2015), Handsome Devil (2016), The Craft: Legacy (2020) and Mary & George (2024). “I identify as a straight man, but I have been a part of some incredible queer stories,” he told British GQ. “I felt a sense of uncertainty sometimes about whether I’m taking up someone’s space, and perhaps guilt.
At the same time, I see those characters as not solely their sexuality.” While Galitzine has received acclaim and adoration for these roles, he has also been criticised by those who believe that cis-het actors should make room for LGBTQIA+ actors to play characters of a similar experience.
In a recent interview with Men’s Health, Perez reflected on the ongoing debate by referencing a quote from Cate Blanchett, who has continuously defended cis-het actors playing LGBTQIA+ roles. “‘We must fight to the death to suspend disbelief,'” said Perez. “And that just always stuck with me, because if you’re watching a film and there’s nothing outside the room that matters, the actors are doing their jobs.” He continued to defend Galitzine: “Nicholas was just asked the other day about his sexuality, and I just find it so rude.
