Brad Pitt was Jacob Elordi’s first celebrity crush, and today he isn’t afraid to kiss or hug his friends: “I never worried that they would think I was less of a man”

Jacob Elordi has always tried to keep his private life away from the cameras, especially when it comes to romantic relationships. For that reason, he has often been accompanied by his mother on red carpets. However, in 2020, a kiss on the cheek was enough for thousands of people to begin speculating about his sexual orientation.

Actor Tommy Dorfman, known for 13 Reasons Why, posted several photos with Elordi during a trip to Montana. In them, they appeared hugging and enjoying a boat ride, and in the most talked-about photo, Jacob affectionately kissed Dorfman on the cheek.

Many speculated that the two were in a relationship and that Elordi was gay; however, at the time, Dorfman had been married to Peter Zurkuhlen since 2016. The romance never existed—there was only a friendship between two colleagues who were comfortable with physical affection.

But is Elordi really interested in men?

The actor has known that label since long before he became famous. In an interview with British GQ, he said that he had been called gay since his first school play, and instead of hiding, he put purple glitter on his face to play Oberon in The Fairy King. “I felt I was above that”, he said.

“I never worried that my classmates thought I was less of a man. When they said I was gay, I remember that I started wearing makeup. I thought: “If I’m going to be the Fairy King, I’m going to be the sexiest Fairy King you’ve ever seen”.

He has never publicly stated his sexual orientation, but he has not denied it either. Not because he is uncomfortable, but because he does not have to explain what he feels or whom he loves.

The experience, he said, allowed him to embrace his feminine side, distance himself from the masculine culture he encountered in rugby, and understand that no activity, item of clothing, or gesture should be used to define a person’s sexuality. Questioning the need to label behaviors as “masculine” or “gay”.

He was not even afraid to admit on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that his first celebrity crush had been Brad Pitt in his role as Achilles in Troy. “Did you like Brad?”, Fallon asked. “Yes”, Elordi replied without hesitation. “He’s an incredibly handsome man, there’s no denying it”.