Yummy Rocketman/Game of Thrones/Body Guard/Cinderella star Richard Madden has, of course, recently been photographed about town with his roommate Brandon Flyn (13 Reasons Why), causing many to speculate that the two are an item.

In a May 31st New York Times profile, he was asked point blank about the nature of their relationship. (He casually punted).

Tabloid interest in his personal life has increased: Madden, who was in a relationship with the actress Jenna Coleman until last year, has recently been photographed several times with the actor Brandon Flynn, who used to date the singer Sam Smith. Are the two men an item?

Madden shrugged, unbothered by the question but in no hurry to answer it, either. “I just keep my personal life personal,” he said. “I’ve never talked about my relationships.” He’s working on a way to deter paparazzi interest in who he’s seen with: “I wear the same clothes days in a row, because if it looks like the same day, they can’t run the pictures,” he said. “There’s only so many photos you can have of me with a green juice walking down the street.”

As always, I’m of two minds about this. Of COURSE he should be able to keep his private life private if that’s what he wants. On the other hand, it would be lovely if he felt free to be open about his sexuality. A man of his stature – who just played gay in Rocketman – could help any number of kids who are struggling to come out.

What do you think? Do stars have an obligation to come out? Or should their private lives be out of bounds for the press? (Photos: Avalon)