Kevin Spacey apologises for alleged sexual misconduct against then 14-year-old actor

Hours after Star Trek: Discovery actor Anthony Rapp alleged Kevin Spacey made sexual advances towards him when Anthony was just 14, Kevin came out as gay and apologised for "what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior".

In a lengthy statement released via a screenshot on Twitter, the 58-year-old House of Cards actor wrote:

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.

Kevin Spacey; Image: Getty

This story has encouraged me to address other things about my life. I know 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

https://twitter.com/kevinspacey/status/924848412842971136

Kevin's apology statement was met with swift backlash by some celebrities and activists who criticised the two-time Oscar winner's decision to link his sexual misconduct allegations with his coming out.