Sir Ian McKellen is a staunch gay rights advocate Rumours Sir Ian McKellen is avoiding attending the Wellington premiere of the Hobbit because our “gay red top” quipping Prime Minister will be there are being brushed off by John Key. Sir Ian says he sends his love to the cast and crew, but can’t make the premiere: “I’m currently touring secondary schools in UK, attacking homophobia in the playground and discouraging kids from the careless use of ‘gay’ which might make their gay friends (and teachers) feel less about themselves," Sir Ian has written on the One Ring fan site. This has prompted speculation he is not attending because he took offence to Key’s “gay red top” quip at a radio host, which the gay-activist actor ripped into in a blog post. The Prime Minister says he would be “amazed” is Sir Ian is boycotting the premiere because of his comment. "I don't know why he's not coming, but I'd be amazed if it would be over that,” he has told media. You can discuss this gay New Zealand community news story on the GayNZ.com forum here
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 21st November 2012 - 10:46am