Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson is calling
on fans who don't share his support for gay marriage to unfriend him
on Facebook.
The 37-year-old Ferguson, who is best
know for playing Mitchell Pritchett on the ABC sitcom Modern
Family, in September announced his engagement to boyfriend Justin
Mikita, a lawyer.
Proceeds from sales of the couple's
custom bow ties at Tie
the Knot benefit organizations seeking to expand marriage rights
for gay and lesbian couples.
In a Sunday post on his Facebook
page, Ferguson expressed shock at the pushback he has received over
his position on the issue.
“As an actor I have learned that I
have to develop a thick skin but as a HUMAN I am having a harder
time. The amount of vitriol I have received in the past few days
over my stance on marriage equality could kill an adult horse! The
majority of my fans have been amazing & supportive. But I am in
shock and ashamed of many of my 'fans' who are standing firm in their
stance that I am 'less than' them because of my sexual orientation.
To those who feel this way: I gladly show you the door and wish you
well on your journey,” Ferguson wrote.
(Related: Glee,
Modern Family influencing voters on gay marriage.)