Joaquin Phoenix wont be discussing his recent controversy without the affected parties.

The Oscar winner, who made headlines last month for exiting a gay drama movie just days before director Todd Haynes was set to begin filming, addressed the matter publicly for the first time Wednesday.

I would just be sharing my opinion from my perspective and the other creatives arent here to say their piece, and it just doesnt feel like that would be right, he said at the Venice International Film Festival in Italy. Im not sure how that would be helpful. So, I just, I dont think I will.

Phoenix was in the middle of a press conference for Joker: Folie Deux at the time and, flanked by director Todd Phillips and co-star Lady Gaga , shared some engrossing details about his preparation for reprising his role as the Joker in the new sequel.

Social media users are nonetheless still curious about Phoenixs sudden departure from the unnamed Haynes film, billed as a same-sex romance between a corrupt cop and a Native American who flee 1930s Los Angeles and head to Mexico.

Danny Ramirez, who appeared in 2022s Top Gun: Maverick , had been cast as Phoenixs love interest, and crews had reportedly already been hired in Guadalajara. But with no apparent plans to recast Phoenixs role, the project has indefinitely stalled.

A representative for Haynes told Entertainment Weekly on Wednesday that the director will not be able to comment on Phoenixs remarks in Italy. However, producer Christine Vachon issued a blunt reaction to his abrupt departure in August.

It has been a nightmare, Vachon reportedly said in a now-deleted Facebook post.