This is why people are angry about Kevin Spacey’s response to the sexual assault allegations from actor Anthony Rapp
After actor Anthony Rapp revealed to BuzzFeed News that he’d been sexually assaulted by Kevin Spacey at age 14, Spacey issued a statement responding to the allegations. His response, however, has made people angry. Many believe the statement not only deflects from his potential sexual misconduct, but is offensive to the LGBTQ+ community for suggesting sexual identity is a “choice” and the conflation of his sexuality with alleged misconduct against a minor.
Spacey released a statement on Twitter quickly after BuzzFeed published the report, claiming to not only “not remember” the encounter, but to also declare that he is now “choosing” to “live as a gay man.”
— Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) October 30, 2017
The actor has notoriously dodged questions about his sexuality amid decades of rumors. In 2010, he told The Daily Beast that discussing his sexuality was “a line [he’s] never crossed and never will,” which is largely why many feel as though today’s revelation is designed to take attention away from the real issue — alleged sexual misconduct. false false
No, Kevin Spacey. You don't get to use your sexuality as a distraction from sexual assault.
You just threw the gay community under the bus.
— #ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) October 30, 2017
Twitter users have also called Spacey out for implying that his sexuality is a “choice.”
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/924940613749002240
Also Kevin Spacey's coming out supports 2 stereotypes at once:
– gay men assaulting young boys
– "living as a gay man" is a choice— Jessi 🇩🇪🏳️🌈🇪🇺 (@pridemoth_) October 30, 2017
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Spacey is seemingly taking little responsibility for his actions toward the then-underage Rapp. After the article was published, Rapp noted on Twitter that he has said all that he wants to say about his experience and “has no further comment at this time.” He hopes that by sharing his experience he can “shine a light and hopefully make a difference.”
I came forward with my story, standing on the shoulders of the many courageous women and men who have been speaking out 1/3
— Anthony Rapp SAG-AFTRA National & NY Board Member (@albinokid) October 30, 2017
to shine a light and hopefully make a difference, as they have done for me. 2/3
— Anthony Rapp SAG-AFTRA National & NY Board Member (@albinokid) October 30, 2017
Everything I wanted to say about my experience is in that article, and I have no further comment about it at this time.
— Anthony Rapp SAG-AFTRA National & NY Board Member (@albinokid) October 30, 2017
Our thoughts are with Rapp at this time, and we are in awe of the immense courage it took to share his story publicly. We continue to stand by all victims of sexual abuse.
