American actor Kate Winslet has opened up about a stigma in Hollywood that can create obstacles for gay actors and said that she knows "at least four" actors "hiding their sexuality" due to 'homophobia' in the industry. According to People magazine, during a recent interview, the Academy Award-winning actor said, "I cannot tell you the number of young actors I know, some well-known, some starting out, who are terrified their sexuality will be revealed and that it will stand in the way of their being cast in straight roles. Now that's f***ed up."

She further said, "I'm telling you. A well-known actor has just got an American agent and the agent said, 'I understand you are bisexual. I wouldn't publicise that.' I can think of at least four actors absolutely hiding their sexuality. It's painful. Because they fear being found out. And that's what they say. 'I don't want to be found out.'" Winslet also noted that the stigma applies to "men more than anything" and added: "It's bad news, Hollywood has to drop that dated crap of, 'Can he play straight because, apparently, he's gay?' "