Fleabag’s Andrew Scott explains the problem with the phrase ‘openly gay’

'It implies a defiance I don't feel'

Fleabag actor Andrew Scott has highlighted the problem with referring to people as “openly gay”, explaining it’s a label he does not identify with.

Speaking to British GQ, the 42-year-old explained that the term presents homosexuality as a “defiance”.

“You’re never described as openly gay at a party – ‘This is my openly gay friend Darren’, ‘She’s openly Irish’. It implies a defiance I don’t feel,” Scott said.

The Dublin-born actor, who played Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s love interest in her award-winning comedy series, Fleabag, went on to argue that he sees no issue with gay actors playing straight roles on screen.

“Sexuality isn’t something you can cultivate, particularly,” he explained.

“It isn’t a talent... You believe the relationship, that’s my job.”

Scott was among the list of high-profile celebrities to be honoured at the annual GQ Men of the Year awards, which took place on Tuesday.

At the ceremony, Waller-Bridge presented Scott with the award for Standout Performance of the year.

Speaking about receiving the honour, Scott told GQ he was “so touched” Waller-Bridge was the person to present it to him.

“What a beautiful thing,” he said. “I’m so touched that Phoebe came to do that for me. I’m thrilled that it was Phoebe.”