Andrew Garfield slayed for saying: 'I am a gay man right now'

Andrew Garfield has been taken to task for claiming he is a "gay man without the physical act". Photo/Getty

Andrew Garfield has drawn criticism from the LGBTQ community for claiming he is a "gay man without the physical act".

The 33-year-old actor portrays a character who struggles between his Jewish faith and homosexuality in the play Angels in America, and Garfield made the comments when discussing his research for the role, which included binge watching RuPaul's Drag Race.

According to OUT, he told a panel discussion about the production: "Every Sunday I would have eight friends over and we would just watch Ru. I mean every single series of RuPaul's Drag Race.

"I mean every series. This is my life outside of this play. I am a gay man right now just without the physical act - that's all."

The Amazing Spider-Man star - who was previously in a relationship with actress Emma Stone - went on to insist he is "not a gay man", but wouldn't rule out a same-sex relationship in the future.

He said: "As far as I know, I am not a gay man. Maybe I'll have an awakening later in my life, which I'm sure will be wonderful and I'll get to explore that part of the garden, but right now I'm secluded to my area, which is wonderful, as well.

"I adore it, but a big concern was what right do I have to play this wonderful gay role?...It was about doing honor, doing justice."

Members of the queer community have taken to Twitter to express their frustration over Garfield's comments, saying they reflect a lack of understanding surrounding the issues faced by queer people.

Straight tourists who try on oppression for kicks make me so tired. Andrew Garfield and James Franco... guys... you will never understand.

— 🦇 HamishVania 🦇 (@hamishsteele) July 5, 2017

I like how Andrew Garfield's view of being gay is having friends over to watch RuPaul.

— Eric Mattina (@thefilmviews) July 6, 2017

Andrew Garfield: RuPaul's Drag Race and Tony Kushner made me gay
Me: pic.twitter.com/iear2N1XVz

— rachel leishman (@RachelLeishman) July 6, 2017

Garfield described the play, which examines the AIDS crisis and other LGBTQ issues, as the "most fulfilling creative experience".

He said: "It's the most costly thing on the body and on the soul we've ever done personally... and I will say it's the most fulfilling creative experience I'll ever hope to have.

"I don't think it can get better than this in terms of everything.

"Communion with the audience - us all going through the same things together and how prevalent and how necessary it is to tell this story right now."

- Bang! Showbiz