'The point we were actually trying to push was that Taylor is irresistible to virtually everyone,' mag says in a statement.
By Jocelyn Vena
Taylor Lautner
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/Film Magic
In a recent interview with GQ Australia, the subject of Taylor Lautner's sexuality came up and, despite his publicist telling him not to answer personal questions, the "Twilight" star set the record very much straight.
The writer asked Lautner if his recent dinner companions — director Gus Van Sant and "Milk" writer Dustin Lance Black, both gay — had hit on him during the meal. "It's not a coincidence that there was a writer, a director and an actor at dinner," he explained, as reported by E! News. "No, definitely not. I think they know I'm straight. But they're great guys. They're a lot of fun."
Days after the interview made its way online; Black took to his blog to weigh in on the magazine's line of questioning. "Really Mr. GQ writer? I'm curious, will you be asking all of the handsome actors I've ever had the privilege of working with or meeting if I made passes at them as well?" he wrote. "I'd love to be there when you ask Sean Penn that same question. Or, Mr. GQ writer, were you projecting your own unprofessional desires onto me and Gus? Perhaps? Or worse still, are you a homophobe?
"Above and beyond this clear attack on my character, I'm shocked that GQ would allow their writer to lean on the scurrilous, outdated stereotype that gay men are by nature sexual predators," he continued. "I mean, would you have asked this same question if it were Diablo Cody and Kathryn Bigelow at dinner with Mr. Lautner? Leaning on lies, myths and stereotypes about gay people is hateful, harmful and outdated."
It seemed the backlash from Black, as well as Internet commenters, was enough for the magazine to issue an apology on its Facebook page.
"We've seen some of the comments floating around regarding our recent interview with Taylor Lautner and apologise if anyone was offended by anything in the article. It certainly wasn't our intention to paint anyone in the story as a sexual predator," the statement reads. "The point we were actually trying to push was that Taylor is irresistible to virtually everyone — regardless of sexuality or gender. Hence the film crew cheering at his shirtless scenes while shooting 'Twilight,' and Mark Wahlberg deeming him better looking than Leonardo DiCaprio."
The statement argues that they initially wanted to include Lautner as their cover boy because he defines the GQ man and meant no harm. "Taylor is an extraordinary young gentleman, and we can't wait to see him achieve even greater success in the future. That's why he's on our cover — because GQ Australia prides itself on offering readers the best possible advice and insights that help you be modern, successful gentlemen," it reads. "Whether you're into fashion, food, fitness, pop culture, politics, travel, technology or cars, GQ Australia strives to provide you with top-quality editorial content that allows you to make your own discerning choices."
Do you think the GQ writer was out of line? Let us know in the comments.
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