Let’s not get this twisted in any way: this does not excuse any alleged predatory or inappropriate behaviour perpetrated by Kevin Spacey, nor does it explain it, nor does it mitigate it. In fact if anything, it’s a roundabout attempt to shift the media narrative away from what should be the focus. But regardless, hooley fkn dooley.
Mere hours after Star Trek: Discovery actor Anthony Rapp detailed his encounter with the famed Spacey when Rapp was just 14 years of age.
Rapp detailed how, at a party in the 1980s, a drunken Spacey allegedly “picked me up like a groom picks up the bride over the threshold,” and then “was, like, pressing into me” and “tightening his arms,” which Rapp said made him aware that “he was trying to get with me sexually.”
In response, Spacey addressed the allegations, alluding to another of Hollywood’s “open secrets” regarding other whispered rumours of inappropriate or leering behaviour, and in doing so revealed his sexuality as a gay man in public for the first time ever.
Spacey, a notoriously private individual, has never discussed his sexual orientation in public in such a candid manner. But today’s “apology” – posted to Twitter – changed that in dramatic fashion.
— Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) October 30, 2017
I have a lot of respect and admiration for Anthony Rapp as an actor. I’m beyond horrified to hear his story. I honestly do not remember the encounter, it would have been over 30 years ago. But if I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behaviour, and I am sorry for the feelings he describes having carried with him all these years.
This story has encouraged me to address other things about my life. I know that there are stories out there about me and that some have been fuelled by the fact that I have been so protective of my privacy. As those closest to me know, in my life I have had relationships with both men and women. I have loved and had romantic encounters with men throughout my life, and I choose now to live as a gay man. I want to deal with this honestly and openly and that starts with examining my own behaviour.
– Kevin Spacey
As an apology and as part of the larger story in play here it’s of little value; if Spacey truly wishes to evaluate his own conduct and change for the better then that’s wonderful, but the damage to people in his past has already been done.
But as an individual revelation it’s a stunning turn of events.
It’s been a very interesting day, pals.
