London, July 6 (AP): Andrew Garfield is getting criticised for saying he is gay, but without the "physical act".

Garfield is starring onstage as a gay man with AIDS in a London production of Angels in America. Britain's Gay Times magazine reports that Garfield told the audience at a panel discussion that he is not currently gay, but left open the door for an "awakening" later in his life.

He says he prepared for the role by watching episodes of RuPaul's Drag Race and added that he is "a gay man right now just without the physical act". The comment has sparked criticism from some on Twitter who say the remark is insensitive to the struggles of gay people. Garfield's representatives didn't immediately return a request for comment today.

The Spiderman star - who famously dated co-star Emma Stone - went on to admit: "As far as I know, I am not a gay man." In the play, which follows two couples, Andrew plays a gay man struggling with the AIDS virus.The stress of his illness leads him to split with his partner, played by James McArdle.

Despite calling the play "the most fulfilling creative experience I'll ever hope to have', the British actor confesses he was at first hesitant to take on the role". "I adore it, but a big concern was what right do I have to play this wonderful gay role?" he said.