Actor Mark Ruffalo has defended mate Matt Bomer’s casting as a transgender sex worker in the feature film Anything, after criticism by the transgender community.
Ruffalo is an executive producer on the recently wrapped project, in which Bomer portrays a transgender woman.
Bomer and Ruffalo had played lovers in HBO’s 2014 drama The Normal Heart, based on Larry Kramer’s stage play.
“To the Trans community. I hear you,” he wrote on Wednesday. “It’s wrenching to you see you in this pain. I am glad we are having this conversation. It’s time.”
“In all honestly I suggested Matt for the role after the profound experience I had with him while making ‘The Normal Heart,’” he added.
Producers announced on August 29 that Bomer and John Carroll Lynch are starring in “Anything,” with Timothy McNeil making his feature directorial debut.
Ruffalo noted two days later that the movie had already wrapped in response to a suggestion that the Bomer’s role be recast.
