Looking actor Russell Tovey has taken to Twitter to apologise for his quotes suggesting he is glad to not be “really effeminate”.

On Sunday, The Guardian posted a lengthy interview with the Looking star in which he said that he is glad his father didn’t allow him to attend a theatre school. He suggested that not going to theatre school and “prancing around” means he can now play both straight and gay roles.

“I get told, a lot, that I’m kind of carving my own path. That there are not many actors who are out and are able to play straight, and gay and everyone’s OK with it.”

As you can imagine, Tovey faced a lot of backlash from those who were offended by his comments.

Sam Smith & Russell Tovey – the faces of internalised homophobia. Let’s start giving time to those who talk up our community, not down.

— Calum S (@CalumSPlath) March 1, 2015

That Russell Tovey interview pic.twitter.com/hpyfhWyeCh

— Jordan (@jordanstevens) March 1, 2015

In response, Tovey took to Twitter to apologise for his comments. 

I surrender. You got me. I’m sat baffled and saddened that a mis- fired inarticulate quote of mine, has branded me worst gay ever Contd — russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015

If you feel I have personally let you down, I’m sorry, that was never my intention

— russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015

I’m proud to be who I am and proud for others We’re in this together, I want you to know whatever you think I meant, I didn’t

— russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015

I’m gonna ride this out, and one day we will all look back on this moment with a half smile of fascination and amusement — russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015

Until that day I’m gonna carry on being me #lowersflag x — russell tovey (@russelltovey) March 3, 2015