Joaquin Phoenix deflects question about exiting Todd Haynes' gay romance because 'other creatives aren't here'

Phoenix said at the "Joker" sequel press conference in Venice that it wouldn't "be right" to address the controversy without director Haynes present as well.

Joaquin Phoenix refused to answer a question about his reported exit from Todd Haynes' planned gay romance movie, telling reporters at the Venice Film Festival that it didn't feel appropriate to address the situation without the filmmaker present.

The Joker: Folie à Deux star addressed a question about the departure at a press conference for his upcoming DC blockbuster sequel, while seated next to director Todd Phillips and actress Lady Gaga, who plays Harley Quinn in the movie.

"I think, if I do, I'd just be sharing my opinion from my perspective and the other creatives aren't here to say their piece, and I just don't feel like that would be right. I'm not sure how that would be helpful," Phoenix, 49, said in response to a question about the exit, per Deadline. "So, I just I don't think I will."

A representative for Haynes tells Entertainment Weekly that the filmmaker “will not be able to comment” on Phoenix’s statement at Venice.

Earlier, EW learned through sources that Phoenix had left the queer-themed project he developed with Haynes for years, with only five days to go before filming was set to start in Mexico.

Phoenix was originally set to lead the film, which was billed as an explicit gay romance set in 1930s Los Angeles and Mexico. Top Gun: Maverick actor Danny Ramirez was to play a supporting role in the project, which, according to Haynes' past comments, would have centered around a corrupt L.A. police officer and a Native American who flee south and develop a bond.

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EW previously learned that crews were hired in Guadalajara, Mexico, with Phoenix walking away without a publicly given reason. There are no plans to recast the role.

Watch Phoenix answer a question about the Haynes project in the video above, ahead of Joker: Folie à Deux's world-premiere screening later on Wednesday.

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.