Celebs praise Prison Break star for coming out

Wentworth Miller. Photo / AP

A number of celebrities have taken to Twitter to show their support Wentworth Miller after he revealed he is gay.

The Prison Break star, 41, opened up about his sexuality for the first time when he took a stand against Russia's recent anti-LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) legislation by refusing to attend the St. Petersburg International Film Festival and stars including Ellen DeGeneres and Neil Patrick Harris have tweeted their congratulations.

Ellen wrote: "I'm proud of Wentworth Miller for speaking out in support of equality. Russia doesn't know what they're missing."

Neil added: "Well done, Wentworth Miller. Bravo."

Modern Family actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who recently tied the knot with Justin Mikita, also tweeted: "So proud of #WentworthMiller. Coming out can be hard & scary but coming out to send a message of tolerance is heroic."

Wentworth wrote a letter in response to the invitation, that was also posted on GLAAD's (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) website, in which the British-born actor said he could not "in good conscience" attend the event because of the country's stance.

He wrote: "Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes. However, as a gay man, I must decline.

"I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government. The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly.

"Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve. I'll be free to make a different choice. Until then."

- Bang! Showbiz