30 Oct 2017

Spacey apologises for 'sexual advance' in 1980s

9:02 pm on 30 October 2017

Hollywood star Kevin Spacey has apologised after being accused of making a sexual advance toward a child actor in the 1980s

Actor Kevin Spacey pictured in 2016.

Actor Kevin Spacey pictured in 2016. Photo: AFP / Nicholas Kamm

Anthony Rapp, who was 14, said Mr Spacey invited him to a party and seemed drunk when the alleged incident happened.

Mr Spacey, who was 26, said: "I honestly do not remember the encounter ... but if I did behave then as he describes I owe him the sincerest apology." The star also revealed he was now living as a gay man after years of refusing to address rumours about his sexuality.

Actor Anthony Rapp pictured in 2013.

Actor Anthony Rapp pictured in 2013. Photo: AFP / Stephen Lovekin

Mr Rapp said he was sharing the story now after the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

The movie mogul has been accused by more than 50 women of a range of allegations ranging from rape to sexual harassment. Mr Weinstein has denied any claims of non-consensual sex.

The accusations have sparked a debate about inappropriate behaviour in the entertainment industry and beyond, and encouraged more people to share their experiences.

In his interview with BuzzFeed News, the 46-year-old Star Trek: Discovery actor said he was sitting on the edge of a bed after the party - held in Mr Spacey's apartment in 1986 - when the Oscar winning actor, now 58, came into the bedroom.

"He picked me up like a groom picks up the bride over the threshold. But I don't, like, squirm away initially, because I'm like, 'What's going on?' And then he lays down on top of me," Mr Rapp said.

"He was trying to seduce me ... I was aware that he was trying to get with me sexually."

He said he was able to go to the bathroom before he left.

Responding to the allegation, Mr Spacey said he was "sorry for the feelings [Rapp] describes having carried with him all these years".

He also addressed "stories" about his personal life, saying he had had relationships with both men and women and was now living as a gay man.

"I want to deal with this honestly and openly and that starts with examining my own behaviour."

- BBC

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