Nollywood actor, film director and lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has opened up on why he decided to ignore the rumour making the rounds on social media that he was gay.
The 50-year-old father of four, including a set of twins, said he ignored the rumour because such inanities had no impact on his life nor his commitment to public service.
A blogger had set the Internet burning recently when he named Elliot, whose marriage to Victoria, his delectable wife, clocks 21 this year, on a list of high-profile Nigerians rumoured to be involved in same-sex relationships.
But in a recent interview with TVC, the scandal-free actor dismissed the allegation as malicious gossip, and, therefore, did not see any reason why he should dignify it and the purveyor with a response.
Elliot, however, stated emphatically that he was straight, and would not waste his precious time responding to rumours without foundation.
But he conceded that people were free to form their opinion and express same provided such exercise of freedom does not infringe the liberty of others or violate the law.
“Why would I respond to allegations made against me when it did not reduce or increase my life?” he told his interviewers on TVC.
“Secondly, it is an opinion that is being conceived. And I do not think it is necessary for me to come out and say it’s true or not true; as long as I’m affecting people positively, I’m good.
“If you feel you identify as something as long as it is within the law. People do not have to accept it, do you?
“So, let me say right here, I am straight. You can never have anyone straighter than me.
“If some people want to enjoy themselves through publicity, that is left to them but I do not care really. Do you enjoy yourself but do it within the law and with respect to your neighbours.”
