“It’s hard not to feel like something in my personal life is not being scandalized because that’s kind of the way it feels when you read headlines about yourself, especially when you read headlines that have this big bang to them, and then you read the article and you’re like, ‘Why did you write that article? There is actually nothing there.’
It’s all just something to egg on some sort of rumor cycle that will just keep going around until you finally get something that will actually just make it all true or false.
So, it’s hard not to feel scandalized. It feels like a slight. But no one wants to write that article or read that article that would be like, ‘Oh! Brandon is with this person and we are so happy for them!’
There’s always something behind it and there’s always some sort of scandal that wants to be revealed, and that’s frustrating. And in fact, it wouldn’t be there if I was with a woman.”— Brandon Flynn to Variety addressing rumors he’s dating ‘Game of Thrones’ actor Richard Madden.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
skeldare
So… are they dating? I see a lot of words but can’t tell for some reason.
AnthonyS23
He clearly implies that the rumors are baseless.
Donston
I’m not seeing where he implies the rumors are baseless. He’s saying some rumors have legitimacy to them. Some are BS. And he’s upset that rumors of same-sex relationships have to be treated and presented as something much more scandalous than straight relationships. It’s a pretty much non answer that if anything somewhat implies that there’s some truth there.
Charlie in Charge
He says:
‘Why did you write that article? There is actually nothing there.’
jjose712
Charlie in Charge: he said that because the articles said absolutely nothing, they imply things but in the end they didn’t say anything at all
He is not denying because their relationship is pretty obvious, but Madden never talked about previous relationships, and Flynn didn’t do that either (even his relationship with Smith was very public)
OzJosh
The line “Nobody wants to write ‘Brandon is with this person and we are happy for them” seems to imply there is a relationship – and he is lamenting that it cannot be treated like any other relationship because as a celebrity everything he does is reported as some kind of revelation or scandal. The line “there is nothing there” refers to articles trying to make something of the relationship without any actual facts to offer – though that somewhat overlooks the photographs of Flynn and Madden holding hands and touching each other in ways not generally associated with straight friends out for a walk.
Donston
I think the people denying that they’re in a relationship are folks who simply don’t want to peg any famous guys together unless those guys confirm it. There’s just too much stuff that points to them being together. Furthermore, the deeper you get into the quote the more you realize that he’s kinda defending the relationship and defending his right to privacy without confirming the relationship. They could have somewhat killed the rumors by just saying they’re not true. Both refused to do so. They’re either actively trolling people. Or they’re a couple. Either way, they’ll probably never be legitimately “public” or confirm their coupling for however long it lasts.
JackKirby
He needs to be in politics. That was one of the greatest circular non-answers.
mgibson56
Yup, it was.
Justice
Sometimes I think we come up with these stories because it’s a fantasy that Brandon and Richard are lovers. I mean, think how beautiful their children would be!
Catholicslutbox
I don’t think you know how human reproduction works…
Gay Veteran
Some people really shouldn’t break that wall and refer to themselves in a certain way. Brandon Flynn is no Kardashian. No one cares that much. Just live your life.
Donston
Most people are more interested in the fact that it’s a linking with Richard Madden, who most of the public assumed was “straight” and is seen as a “rising start”. But no, Brandon is not someone the media is obsessed with. He’s gotten the attention he has because of his ex and a rumored present partner.
Gay Veteran
I’ve never seen GOT so both guys are lost on me.
DavidIntl
@Donston To me, that’s kind of funny, since I had never heard of the guys Brandon has been rumoured to have dated – but I sure knew who he was. Definitely drew my attention on 13 Reasons Why. @GayVeteran Certainly I know and care more about him than any Kardashian.
Donston
I knew who he was as well. I watched ’13 Reasons’. But the general press/paps didn’t care about him until he came out. Then he got a ton of attention while dating Sam Smith.
Gay Veteran
@DavidIntl I watch 13 Reasons so I know him from the show. I just think there’s a level of success/notoriety a person should reach before they start talking about being in headlines(plural) and being scandalized. At this point in his career being talked about is a blessing. Maybe when he gets to a Jussie Smollett level of rumour mill then we can have this woe is me conversation.
Chambers
1. Nobody really care about him.People are interested in Richard Madden, especially since he has presented himself as a straight man.
2. He could have written the Mueller Report with this response.
queerty02
“It wouldn’t be there if I was a woman” Lol Yes, the tabloid rumor mill has never concerned itselfwith heterosexual relationships before. That is definitely an accurate take. Dumb a s s twink.
Donston
If you read the whole interview it’s apparent that he’s talking more about how the media presents “closeted” hetero relationships compared to closeted “queer” relationships. The latter he feels is still presented as scandalous and as expose’s, and he feels that the media actively roots against those relationships, especially if one of the parties is not out. I get where he’s coming from. However, it was so much worse just ten years ago. A lot of outlets refuse cover closeted same-sex relationships nowadays, refuse to even appear like they’re kinda outing people, refuse to even mention same-sex relationships unless both parties are out and make it very clear that they’re into their gender. And the headlines were even more sensational and borderline homophobic back then. Gay relationships among famous closeted people actually have more cover and freedom now than they ever have. And I do wonder just how much Richard and Brandon really wanted to keep this relationship DL, considering they’ve been photographed everywhere together for months, while Richard has done silly and revealing things like naming a romantic Spotify playlist “Richard”. Something tells me Brandon is desperate for the world to know he bagged Robb Stark.
Luvstoread
Donston, Do you blame him? Richard Madden is a cutie. 🙂