James Haven, the older brother of Hollywood star Angelina Jolie, has publicly shared that he is gay. The 53-year-old actor and filmmaker made the announcement during a livestream conversation with his former wife, Romi Imbelli, on her Substack platform. The news comes after their marriage ended in annulment earlier this year.
During the emotional video, Haven read a personal letter about his journey. He spoke about his childhood, his healing process, and his hope for acceptance from his family. Imbelli, who stood by his side during the announcement, expressed her continued support for him.
A Brief Marriage That Lasted Only 15 Days
Haven and Imbelli got married in a private ceremony in Laguna Beach, California, in August 2024. The wedding was attended by close family members, including Haven’s father, actor Jon Voight. Reports indicated that Angelina Jolie was not present at the ceremony.
The marriage, however, was very short. The couple separated just 15 days after their wedding. Imbelli filed for an annulment on August 27, 2024, listing “fraud” as the legal reason. The annulment was finalized in March 2025. Court documents confirmed that the couple did not have any children together.
Romi Imbelli: Who Is She?
Romi Imbelli, 44, is a television personality and entrepreneur. She gained recognition as a cast member of Showtime’s reality series The Real L Word, which aired from 2010 to 2012. The show followed the lives of LGBTQ+ women in Los Angeles. She was known on the show as Romi Klinger.
Before her marriage to Haven, Imbelli was married twice. She was married to musician Dusty Ray from 2011 to 2013. She then married chef Charles Imbelli in 2015 and divorced in 2019. She has a daughter named Frankie from her marriage to Charles Imbelli. Haven and Imbelli did not have children together.
Imbelli works as a hairstylist and make-up artist. She also describes herself as an identity coach. She writes a memoir called Breathe Mija on Substack, where she shares her experiences and personal growth.
What James Haven Said During the Livestream
During the livestream, Haven read a letter that touched on his childhood memories. He recalled being drawn to Disney princesses as a young boy.
“When I was a little boy, I was absolutely obsessed with the Disney princesses. I would sneak glitter onto my cheeks, swipe mascara onto my lashes, and for those moments, I felt like magic.”
He explained that he did not have the words to describe his feelings back then.
“I didn’t have the language back then to explain why I just knew it made me feel more like me.”
Haven spoke about the struggle many gay children face. He said he learned to question parts of himself before he learned to celebrate them. He also shared a powerful message about coming out.
“Coming out isn’t about becoming someone new, it’s about allowing everyone else to meet the person who has been here all along.”
He described his new chapter as one of “hope,” “peace,” and “love”. He also shared a message for his family.
“I hope my family and others can choose love over fear, understanding over judgment, and connection over the beliefs that may have kept us apart.”
Romi Imbelli’s Support for Her Ex-Husband
Imbelli was very supportive during the livestream. She had known Haven for over 20 years. She admitted that she had suspected he was gay but struggled with accepting it.
“I didn’t want to believe it. I knew it and I wanted to support you and love you,” she told him.
She described their relationship in a unique way.
“We will do life together. You are not my close friend. You are my love. And you happen to be gay.”
After the livestream, Imbelli posted on social media to clarify her role in Haven’s announcement. She made it clear that she was not trying to reveal his secret without his permission.
“I wasn’t here to out someone I love. I was here to help set someone free. In return he set me free.”
She also shared a heartfelt message about the nature of their bond.
“Love doesn’t always fit into the boxes we’re taught it should. Sometimes it transforms. Sometimes it changes shape.”
Imbelli made it clear that their brief marriage did not end their connection.
“I’ll always love him. Just not as his wife, but as my family, my best friend, and one of the greatest loves of my life.”
His New Podcast Project
Along with his announcement, Haven shared news about a new project. He is preparing to launch a podcast called Safe Haven with James Haven. The podcast will be a weekly conversation show. It will explore the moments and choices that shape people’s lives. The podcast is being produced by Wonder Peak Media.
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Family Background
James Haven was born in 1973. He is the son of actor Jon Voight and the late Marcheline Bertrand. He is two years older than his sister, Angelina Jolie.
Haven has worked as an actor, director, and producer. He appeared alongside his sister in the 1998 HBO film Gia and the 2001 film Original Sin. He also acted in the 2001 movie Ocean’s Eleven.
Haven has always been close to his sister. At the 2000 Academy Awards, Jolie won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Girl, Interrupted. During her acceptance speech, she said she was “so in love” with her brother. The siblings made headlines that night for kissing on the lips on the red carpet. Both have repeatedly dismissed questions about that moment over the years.
No Children Together
A key detail from the news is that Haven and Imbelli do not have any children together. Imbelli has a daughter from her previous marriage, but she and Haven did not share any kids. This has been confirmed by multiple court documents and reports.
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