LOS ANGELES: Kevin Spacey's apology to actor Anthony Rapp has been received negatively by a lot of celebs with many blasting him for trying to divert attention from the sexual misconduct allegations by coming out as gay.
The "Star Trek: Discovery" has accused Spacey of sexual assault when he was just 14.
Following Rapp's revelation Spacey took to Twitter to apologise and also opened up about his sexuality saying he is now living "as a gay man".
"It Gets Better" creator Dan Savage condemned the "House of Cards" actor's statement, saying "There's no amount of drunk or closeted that excuses or explains away assaulting a 14- year-old child." "Billy on the Street" host Billy Eichner tweeted, "That Kevin Spacey statement. Nope. Absolutely not. Nope"
Rose McGowan, who was one of the people to accuse Harvey Weinstein of rape, said that the focus should be on the victim, not the accused.
"Keep focus on #AnthonyRapp BE THE VICTIM'S VOICE. Help us level the playing field," she tweeted.
Author Mark Harris said "Coming out is a beautiful part of being gay. Attaching it to this vileness is so wrong." Comedian Cameron Esposito and writer Travon Free said that being gay does not have to do with going after "underage folks." Comedian-writer Guy Branum labelled the statement as "PR smokescreen." Actor Aimee Carrero Rock said, "Kevin Spacey sexually assaulting a minor has nothing to do with homosexuality. Also, someone should explain this to Kevin Spacey." Comedian Jordan Gavaris said sexual assault has nothing to do with sexuality.
"Sexual assault is not about sexuality. Sexual assault is about power. Say it with me, please," he posted.
In his statement, Spacey, 58, had said that Rapp's story encouraged him to address his sexuality.
"I know that there are stories out there about me and that some have been fueled by the fact that I have been so protective of my privacy.
"As those close to me know, in my life, I have had relationships with both men and women. I have loved and had romantic relationships 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," he said.