Netflix Cancels 'House Of Cards' Amid Misconduct Claims Against Kevin Spacey
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA/AP) — Actor Kevin Spacey faced public and professional backlash Monday after apparently acknowledging a sexual advance he allegedly made on a teenage boy decades ago.
In an interview with BuzzFeed, actor Anthony Rapp said Spacey befriended him while they both performed on Broadway shows.
Rapp told the outlet he was 14 when he attended a party at Spacey's apartment in 1986. He said he wandered into the bedroom and was watching TV when Spacey entered.
"He picked me up like a groom picks up the bride over the threshold," he said. "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.
"He was trying to seduce me," said Rapp. "I was aware that he was trying to get with me sexually."
Rapp said the then-26-year-old Spacey was holding him down tightly, but he was able to get away and left the apartment.
Spacey first responded to the allegations Sunday saying he was "beyond horrified", adding that he doesn't remember the encounter.
"But if I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior, and I am sorry for the feelings he describes having carried with him all these years," he said.
Rapp, who is now 46 and starring in the TV show "Star Trek: Discovery", said he came forward after allegations against Harvey Weinstein sparked conversations about sexual abuse and harassment in the entertainment industry.
In a statement released Monday afternoon, Netflix and "Cards" producer Media Rights Capital released the following joint statement:
"Media Rights Capital and Netflix are deeply troubled by last night's news concerning Kevin Spacey. In response to last night's revelations, executives from both of our companies arrived in Baltimore this afternoon to meet with our cast and crew to ensure that they continue to feel safe and supported. As previously scheduled, Kevin Spacey is not working on set at this time."
FULL COVERAGE: The Harvey Weinstein Fallout
Spacey, who is now 58, spoke publicly about his sexual orientation for the first time Sunday on Twitter.
"As those closest to me know, in my life I have had relationships with both men and women," he said. "I have loved and had romantic encounters with men throughout my life, and I choose now to live as a gay man."
Spacey, who has fiercely protected his private life, had never disclosed his sexuality before but said Rapp's story encouraged him to speak.
"I want to deal with this honestly and openly and that starts with examining my own behavior," he said.
Spacey's response to the allegations garnered criticism from some of Hollywood's biggest names, including Rosie O'Donnell, who likened Spacey to Weinstein.
"Like Harvey we all knew about u - I hope more men come forward", O'Donnell wrote in part.
"Kevin Spacey's comment was wrong on so many levels," wrote comedian Larry Wilmore.
Actress Rose McGowan tweeted, "Gay=Gay Predator=Predator."
"Kevin Spacey has just invented something that has never existed before: a bad time to come out," comedian Bill Eichner wrote.
Wanda Sykes wrote: "No no no no no! You do not get to "choose" to hide under the rainbow! Kick rocks!"
The organization 1in6 helps men who have been sexually abused. Click here to contact the organization.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
