Hollywood actor slammed for using his sexuality to divert attention from abuse claims
LGBT campaigners have condemned Kevin Spacy for relating sexual harrassment to sexual orientation.
The House of Cards actor has been slated since Star Trek Discovery star Anthony Rapp said Spacey assaulted him as a 14 year old.
In response Spacey apologised on social media saying he “did not remember the encounter” but added he was “horrified” by what Rapp described. “If I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior,” he said.
Oscar-winning Spacey also used the occasion to announce publicly that he chose now to “to live as a gay man,” a move that drew harsh rebukes swiftly online and otherwise.
As for Rapp, the actor said on Twitter after Spacey’s apology and announcement that he had “no further comment …at this time.”
Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said: “It is tragic that it has taken allegations of sexual harassment for Kevin Spacey to finally come out as gay, after not disclosing his sexuality for decades.
"It is even worse that he mixes up his sexuality with inappropriate behaviour. His gayness is irrelevant. It's his actions that have prompted concern."
And Stonewall also criticised the move.
A spokesman said: "Usually when celebrities come out we’re quick to send on our congratulations and to talk about the importance of role models.
"But for Kevin Spacey to choose this particular moment to come out is harmful to the LGBT community.
"His sexual orientation bears no relevance to the serious allegations he is facing, and to conflate these things is extremely damaging."
The House of Cards star, who was presented with an honorary knighthood by Prince Charles in June last year, revealed in the statement that he has had relationships with men and women throughout his life, but now chooses to live as a gay man.
Rapp, who is now 46 years old, said he decided to come forward following the dozens of sexual harassment and misconduct claims against Harvey Weinstein and others in the industry.
“Not to simply air a grievance, but to try to shine another light on the decades of behaviour that have been allowed to continue because many people, including myself, being silent.
“I'm feeling really awake to the moment that we're living in, and I'm hopeful that this can make a difference,” he said.
