Misha Collins, beloved by fans for his portrayal of the angel Castiel on the hit show "Supernatural," found himself at the center of a social media storm after a comment he made at a fan convention was interpreted as a coming out announcement.
During a panel discussion, Collins engaged in a lighthearted exchange with the audience, asking them to raise their hands if they identified as introverts, extroverts, or bisexual.
After a playful pause, he quipped, “I’m all three,” sending the crowd into a frenzy of cheers and speculation.
The internet, as it tends to do, exploded with reactions.
"Did Misha Collins just come out as bisexual? This is huge!" one fan exclaimed on Twitter.
Others expressed confusion, questioning whether the actor's words were meant to be taken literally.
"Maybe he was just trying to be funny?" another fan wondered. "It's hard to tell without more context."
Amidst the swirling rumors and speculation, Collins took to Twitter to address the situation head-on, issuing a heartfelt apology for the confusion his words had caused.
"My clumsy intention was to wave off actually discussing my sexuality, but I badly fumbled that and understand that was seen as me coming out as bisexual," Collins wrote. “I am not bisexual. I happen to be straight, but I am also a fierce ally and the last thing I want to do is falsely co-opt the struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
The actor's apology was met with mixed reactions. Some fans expressed disappointment that their hopes for a high-profile coming out had been dashed, while others commended Collins for taking responsibility for his words and reaffirming his commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Throughout his time on "Supernatural," Collins was a vocal advocate for queer readings of the show, particularly the fan-favorite pairing of Castiel and Dean Winchester, affectionately known as "Destiel." While the show ultimately disappointed many fans with its handling of Castiel’s sexuality and his tragic end, Collins consistently used his platform to acknowledge and validate the importance of queer representation.
"I think it's important to acknowledge that 'Supernatural' has a large and passionate LGBTQIA+ fanbase," Collins shared in a 2020 interview. "And I think it's important for those fans to feel seen and represented."
While Collins' recent misstep highlights the complexities of navigating conversations about sexuality in the public eye, it also underscores the importance of authenticity and clear communication. His willingness to acknowledge his mistake and use it as an opportunity for growth is a testament to his character and his commitment to being an ally.
The incident serves as a reminder that even with the best of intentions, missteps can happen. What matters most is how we learn from those mistakes and continue to advocate for inclusivity, understanding, and respect for all.
