Dustin Lance Black said he felt "embarrassed" after several photos leaked online yesterday that appear to show the Oscar-winning screenwriter and safe sex advocate having risky sex with another man.
The alleged photos are said to be three years old, with Black's lawyers on the case to stop their distribution, according to E! and other reports.
"It is unfortunate that individuals and other outside parties are trying to profit from material which is clearly private," Black said in a statement to E!'s Marc Malkin late Saturday.
"I have had the privilege to speak to people across the country, both gay and straight, on a number of critical issues including safe sex. More important than the embarrassment of this incident is the misleading message these images send. I apologize and cannot emphasize enough the importance of responsible sexual practices."
Black is best known for penning "Milk," the biopic of slain gay civil rights advocate Harvey Milk. During his Oscar acceptance speech, Black delivered an impassioned appeal for gay marriage.
"If Harvey (Milk) had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he would want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told they are less than by the churches, by the government, by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value, and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours," Black said.
A source told E! that the photo fracas would not affect Black's continued advocacy on behalf of gay issues.
