Andrew Garfield faces backlash from LGBT community after saying 'I am a gay man just without the physical act'

Andrew Garfield has upset members of the LGBTQ community after saying “I am a gay man right now, just without the physical act” while promoting Angels in America.

The actor plays Prior Walter — a gay man with AIDS struggling through the 1980s — in the London production of Tony Kushner’s play.

“As far as I know, I am not a gay man,” Garfield said at a press conference, the comments noted by Gay Times.

“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?

“I had to trust that it was the right thing and Tony had asked me and maybe if he’d asked me, it was the right thing. It was as about doing honour, doing justice and knowing my herstory.”

Preparing for the role, Garfield spoke to numerous “friends in the gay community” and watched “every single series” of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

“This is my life outside of this play,” he said. “I am a gay man right now just without the physical act – that’s all.”

Soon after the initial report was published, members of the LGBTQ community spoke out against Garfield’s comments, Entertainment Weekly noting how some accused the actor of cultural appropriation.

“Andrew Garfield, pulling a James Franco,” Kalinda Sharma Tweeted. “Straight actors, please stop this nonsense.”

Openly gay actor Scott Evans added: “You’re a talented guy, but you seem to be completely oblivious to what is coming out of your mouth.”

Garfield's agents have been asked for comment but have yet to respond. The actor recently made headlines after lip-syncing to Whitney Houston's cover of 'I'm Every Woman’ at the London Queens WERQ the World Tour stop.