Ian McKellen Apologizes for Comments About Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Bryan Singer and Kevin Spacey
John F. Trent
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Actor Ian McKellen apologized for his recent comments about the sexual abuse allegations against director Bryan Singer and fellow actor Kevin Spacey.
McKellen issued his apology on Twitter writing, “As part of an extended podcast recently, I suggested that if closeted people were instead open about their sexuality they wouldn’t abuse others. That, of course is wrong.”
1/4 As part of an extended podcast recently, I suggested that if closeted people were instead open about their sexuality they wouldn’t abuse others. That, of course, is wrong. pic.twitter.com/9k6KLH2hx9
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) March 2, 2019
McKellen would add, “My intention was to encourage the LGBT audience I was addressing to be proud and open about the sexuality. In doing so, my point was clumsily expressed.”
He emphasized, “I would never, ever trivialize or condone abuse of any kind. I deeply regret my careless remarks and apologize unreservedly for any distress I caused.”
McKellen would finish writing, “When it comes to abuse by people in positions of power, the correct response is clear. The accusers must be heard and the accused given the opportunity to clear their names. If the accusations prove credible, the abuser’s access to power should be removed.”
McKellen previously appeared on the #QueerAF podcast during National Student Pride 2019 where he discussed the alleged sexual abuse of Spacey and Singer.
“With the couple of names you mentioned of people I worked with, both of them were in the closet. Hence all their problems as people and their relationships with other people. If they had been able to be open about themselves and their desires, they wouldn’t have started abusing people in the way they’re being accused.”
Spacey is accused of groping an 18-year-old man at a bar in Nantucket in 2016. He pleaded not guilty in January. He’s also been accused of a number of Hollywood actors including Star Trek: Discovery’s Anthony Rapp. Spacey has denied the allegations.
The most recent accusations against Bryan Singer involve abuse against minors. Singer has strongly denied the allegations.
What do you make of McKellen’s comments?
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