In a rare moment of openness, 35-year-old openly gay actor Jonathan Bailey, known for his role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s hit series “Bridgerton,” has revealed that he is in a relationship with a “lovely man.” While his on-screen presence has captivated audiences, Bailey has kept his personal life largely private.
Currently starring in the queer historical drama “Fellow Travelers” alongside Matt Bomer, the show has garnered attention not only for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ history but also for a particular scene that caused a buzz on social media.
Bailey’s decision to speak about his relationship came during an interview with the Evening Standard, where he acknowledged the presence of a special someone in his life. When asked about his relationship status, he confirmed the existence of his partner but emphasized the importance of maintaining privacy.
The Balancing Act of Privacy
“It’s not secret, but it’s private,” Bailey explained, highlighting the significance of keeping aspects of his personal life out of the public eye. He added, “Having a private life is, for me, completely critical. I don’t know if I would be able to be as confident to speak out on other things if I felt that my whole life was up for grabs.”
While Bailey’s romantic life has remained discreet during his rise to fame, he had previously been romantically linked to actor James Ellis. The two were seen attending The Olivier Awards together in 2019, sharing a kiss on camera after Bailey’s win for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical.
Facing Homophobia in the Public Eye
In a separate part of the interview, Bailey opened up about a recent homophobic encounter he experienced. Following a meeting with President Joe Biden as part of his work with the Human Rights Campaign, Bailey was approached in a coffee shop the next morning by a man demanding to know if he was famous.
Bailey recounted the unsettling incident, stating that when the man grabbed his cap and threw it across the room, he yelled, ‘get out of this f**ing coffee shop, you queer.’ Despite feeling threatened, Bailey was more concerned about the impact such encounters have on individuals, particularly children, who may face similar hostility on a daily basis.*
Jonathan Bailey’s revelation sheds light on the delicate balance between public visibility and personal privacy for LGBTQ+ public figures, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges of homophobia in society.