Kevin Spacey, a two-time Oscar winner, apologized for what he said "would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior" after the actor Anthony Rapp accused him of making a sexual advance 31 years ago, when Rapp was 14.
Spacey, who has long been fiercely private about his personal life, said in a statement that he did not remember any such encounter, but added that Rapp's accusation "has encouraged me to address other things about my life." He then disclosed that he had "loved and had romantic encounters with men throughout my life, and I choose now to live as a gay man."
The rapid cycle of accusation and apology began Sunday evening, when BuzzFeed published an article in which Rapp alleged that Spacey "was trying to get with me sexually" after a party at Spacey's apartment in 1986. Rapp, who is best known for playing the character Mark Cohen on Broadway in "Rent," confirmed the article's contents and said he had decided to speak out at a time when many women are accusing producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment and assault.
"I came forward with my story, standing on the shoulders of the many courageous women and men who have been speaking out, to shine a light and hopefully make a difference, as they have done for me," Rapp said in a statement. A few hours after the BuzzFeed article was published, Spacey posted a statement to Twitter, saying he was "horrified" but did not remember the encounter.
Rapp said he met Spacey in 1986 when both were performing in Broadway shows. Rapp was a child actor in a new play called "Precious Sons," while Spacey, then 26, was performing in a revival of "Long Day's Journey Into Night." Spacey, now 58, has starred as Frank Underwood on "House of Cards," but on Monday the show was canceled. Rapp, 46, is currently featured on the TV series "Star Trek: Discovery."
New York Times
Boss' big fan will see him on Broadway
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie knows what he'll be doing on his first night out of office next year: Seeing Bruce Springsteen on Broadway. The term-limited Republican and avid Springsteen fan announced his plans Monday during a TV appearance. Christie's term ends on Jan. 16. He and his wife plan to see "The Boss" the following evening. Christie has attended more than 140 Springsteen concerts. But the singer's intimate Broadway show features him performing several songs alone on stage and telling stories about growing up.
Associated Press
