Wentworth Miller Comes Out as Gay

Aug. 22, 2013— -- Wentworth Miller is gay.

The former "Prison Break" star, 41, made his announcement in a letter to the St. Petersburg International Film Festival, in which he declined an invitation to be a "guest of honor" at the Russian event.

Miller said the reason was because he is "a gay man."

"I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government," he wrote. "The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly."

Miller was referencing Russia's new anti-gay law, which "criminalizes public expression of support for nontraditional relationships," the Associated Press reported.

Originally titled the law on "homosexual propaganda," the act was signed into law by President Vladimir Putin last month. Penalties for breaking the law can be up to $3,000 for individuals and $30,000 for organizations, according to the AP.

Foreign citizens are subject to fines of $3,000, up to 15 days in prison and deportation and denial of re-entry into Russia.