Thomas Dekker speaks out on "Heroes" gay controversy...

Much has been written about the character of Zach on "Heroes" who, according to show execs, was supposed to be gay until actor Thomas Dekker - or his management - balked. We've never heard from Dekker on the matter and AfterElton.com, which broke the story last fall, has posted what the young actor has posted on his MYSPACE page:

"I am truly sorry for what transpired on the series and who it has effected. I have been shown a lot of, to be blunt, hate mail directed at me and my manager for the way the character of Zach played out. I would like it to be known by everyone, that I have played a gay character three times before in my career, one when I was twelve (which is on youtube), one when I was fifteen, and another when I was seventeen. I, nor my management have ever had any kind of problem with creating a gay character. To me acting is about being prepared to play all kinds of roles and it is an honor and a challenge to portray ANYTHING that comes my way. What transpired on heroes is something far more complicated than anyone being "afraid" to make Zach homosexual. The character that I created in the beginning of the show, a process I take very seriously, was based on Zach being an outcast who had a burning love for Claire, a crush that drew him to her and effected every ounce of his self esteem around her. I created the character that way because it was WRITTEN IN THE ORIGINAL SCRIPT that he was in love with Claire."

To read the entire AfterElton.com item CLICK HERE.