The Amazing Spider-Man and Hacksaw Ridge actor made the controversial comment during a National Theatre platform discussion. The actor is currently playing Prior Walter, a gay man battling AIDS in the ’80s, in a London revival of Tony Kushner’s play ‘Angels in America.’ When asked how he prepared for the role, the actor claimed he got into character by watching RuPaul’s Drag Race with friends on the weekends.

Later in the conversation he clarified, “As far as I know, I am not a gay man.”

He went on, “Maybe I’ll have an awakening later in my life, which I’m sure will be wonderful, and I’ll get to explore that part of the garden, but right now I’m secluded to my area, which is wonderful as well. I adore it, but a big concern was what right do I have to play this wonderful gay role?”

Many Twitter users immediately criticised the insensitivity and seeming stereotypes implicit in Garfield’s comment, as one user sarcastically mused “Hey did you know that if you marathon ‘Drag Race’ you are a gay man? That’s all it takes. Who knew.

Another tweeter sneered “Andrew Garfield is ‘gay without the physical act because he watches ‘RuPaul’ — Rich Straight White Men Try To Be Interesting Vol. 53.”

A third said, “Speaking of, I am rich without the act.”