Angelina Jolie‘s brother’s brave decision was the start of healing for their family!
The actress’ sibling, James Haven, detailed how things have changed in his family since he disclosed his sexuality and how it has helped his relationship with his father improve significantly.
Angelina Jolie and her brother, James Haven, were born to Hollywood actor Jon Voight and his wife, Marcheline Bertrand, who is also an actress, but gave up her career to raise them after she separated from their father.
Jolie’s older brother on the “All Out With Jon Dean” podcast on Wednesday, August 12, shared that when he came out as gay, his relationship with Voight witnessed so much improvement. Reflecting on the reason for their estrangement, Haven clarified that he had a “difficult” upbringing where their relationship was void of “value.”
“There was a long period of time we didn’t talk for many years because of a lack of value that I felt from him,” Haven explained. He continued that after he shared his coming-out story, his father put through an important call he described as “surreal,” and they had a conversation in which Voight acknowledged that he finally knew who his son was. In his words:
“He goes, ‘I finally know who you are’… and all of a sudden we had this really nice chat, and I called Imbelli immediately, and I said, ‘I did not expect that phone call.’”
Haven detailed the effect of the call on him, stating that it made him feel so accepted and seen as Voight finally understood why he was always so private. The actress’ older brother affirmed that in the coming days, he plans to meet up with his father for a reunion because nothing is holding him back anymore.
The 53-Year-Old Said His Coming Out Confirmed What His Friends Had Known For Years
6Haven’s decision to unveil his sexuality reportedly did not come as a surprise to his closest friends, who informed him they had known for years and were glad he was finally comfortable enough to reveal his truth.
Haven had taken one of the most important decisions of his life on an August 6 live stream alongside his former wife and close friend. The duo had married in 2024, had their marriage annulled in 2025, then reconnected and remained buddies.
The actress’ older brother revealed that for most of his life he understood his sexuality but was unable to embrace it openly. Fortunately, his ex-wife’s decision to write about it in her memoir gave him the final nudge needed to speak publicly.
Haven described hiding as a painful decision, and rather than continue sacrificing his happiness, he wanted the freedom to live openly, embrace his identity, and build an authentic life.
James Haven’s Ex Played A Vital Role In His Coming Out Story
6Haven, despite his separation from Romi Imbelli, has maintained a very cordial friendship with her and even utilized her platform to reveal his sexuality publicly. As shared by The Blast, Jolie’s brother, earlier in the month, publicly came out as gay in an Instagram video shared by Imbelli.
He tagged his confession as one of the next chapters in the journey of his life, making it the first time he has ever spoken up about his sexuality. Haven noted that he has spent years healing from his childhood trauma, and now he is ready to live life the way it was designed for him.
Haven remained hopeful that his family and friends would receive the news with compassion rather than judgment. He expressed his intention to move forward with hope, love, and peace, adding that people must look beyond labels and see him as equal to everyone else.
Imbelli also clarified that being part of Haven’s powerful story meant helping set him free, because that way he could also set her free. She noted that the plan was never to expose him to criticism, but to showcase his strength.
The 53-Year-Old Wanted To Be Angelina Jolie’s Constant As Her Kids Grew Up
6Long before Haven began speaking more openly about his personal life, he had already made one commitment clear, and that was being there for his family. Haven attributed that instinct to the values passed down by his late mother, Bertrand.
He noted that he made a conscious effort to tune out distractions and be present, whether he was with Jolie or her children. During an appearance on the “90who10” podcast, he explained that he intended to remain a steady presence for his sister and her children as they entered adulthood.
The protective bond, however, was subjected to considerable scrutiny after Haven and Jolie shared a fleeting kiss on the lips when the actress won Best Supporting Actress for “Girl, Interrupted” at the 2000 Academy Awards.
Jolie’s emotional acceptance speech, in which she expressed overwhelming love for her brother, only intensified the fascination. The siblings later pushed back against the sensational interpretation, maintaining that the kiss was simply an affectionate moment between two close siblings celebrating one of the biggest nights of Jolie’s career.
The ‘Salt’ Actress Wanted Authenticity After Growing Up Right Under The Spotlight
6Three years ago, the actress got candid with The Wall Street Journal about growing up around the industry and how it stripped away much of its glamour for her.
While she was raised in the world, thanks to her famous parents, the star described Hollywood as a superficial environment that made her crave people and experiences that felt genuine.
Nine noted that the actress’ discomfort also extended to the demands of modern fame on actors, where they have to sacrifice details dearest to their hearts for entertainment. Jolie admitted that if she had known then what she knows now, she would never have pursued acting, but when she entered the industry, privacy was valued and respected.
Ironically, Hollywood had been part of Jolie’s life almost from the beginning. She appeared at seven in 1982’s “Lookin’ to Get Out,” produced by her father, while her mother also had a small role in the production.
Jolie’s connection to the industry was further complicated by her relationship with Voight, in which appearances were maintained for photo ops. The pair eventually reunited personally and professionally for 2001’s “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” appropriately playing father and daughter on screen.
Angelina Jolie’s Father Uncertain About Their Future Following Relocation Plans
6The actress has been public about her desire to leave Hollywood behind and settle for a simpler life abroad. While this is exciting for her, sources close to her father have claimed he does not see it the same way.
As shared by The Blast, Voight knows distance will further ruin his chances of ever repairing their broken bond. Despite their estrangement, the 87-year-old reportedly continues reaching out on birthdays and holidays, asking about Jolie’s children and holding out hope that they can eventually put their differences behind them.
Over the years, many factors have played a primary role in the breakdown of their bond, most recently Voight’s declaration of support for Donald Trump and Israel. Jolie’s lifestyle as a humanitarian is described as a sharp contrast to what her father stands for, which further deepens their estrangement.