XtraTime Web Desk: Australia’s former World Cup winning all-rounder James Faulkner is in the middle of a controversy following a post on Instagram. Faulkner posted a picture of his mother and ‘boyfriend’ Rob Jubb on his 29th birthday on Monday which created a massive confusion. The netizens believed that it was Faulkner’s way of revealing he is a gay.
Faulkner’s brave post was not only welcomed by the LGBT community but fellow cricketers including Glenn Maxwell, Brett Lee and Shaun Tait.
“Happy birthday mate! Great courage,” wrote Glenn Maxwell on Instagram
“Good on ya mate. Have a lovely birthday Jimmy,” said Brett Lee.
“Great courage mate, bet u feel better,” Australian fast bowler Shain Tait wrote.
However, James Faulkner, in a follow-up Instagram post, clarified he wasn’t gay, which didn’t go down too well with some fans. The Australian and the international media initially reported James Faulkner’s homosexuality as fact.
Faulkner, however, later edited the caption of his Instagram post, adding “best mate!!!” in brackets after the word “boyfriend”. Faulkner took to social media again saying “there seems to be a misunderstanding”.
Cricket Australia too came out with a statement on the entire controversy.
“Cricket Australia does not consider the social commentary this morning from James Faulkner to be a joke, nor does James.”
“His comment was made as a genuine reflection of his relationship with his business partner, best friend and house mate of five years. He was not contacted for clarification before some outlets reported his Instagram post as an announcement of a homosexual relationship.
“James and CA are supportive of the LGBQTI community and recognises coming out can be an incredibly emotional time. The post was not in any way meant to make light of this and, though the support from the community was overwhelming and positive. Cricket Australia apologises for any unintended offence.”