Kevin Spacey has issued a public statement after being accused of making sexual advances toward a 14-year-old – and apologised for what he termed “what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behaviour”.

His remarks – shared in a tweet – came shortly after Anthony Rapp, now 46, accused Spacey of trying to seduce him while attending a party in 1986.

Speaking to Buzzfeed News, Rapp said that Spacey (then aged 26) “picked me up like a groom picks up the bride over the threshold. 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. I don't know if I would have used that language. But I was aware that he was trying to get with me sexually,” the Star Trek: Discovery star added.

Rapp also claimed that Spacey was “pressing” into him before he was able to “wriggle” free and escape.

Read more: In wake of Weinstein allegations, Ben Affleck apologises for groping TV presenter on air

Addressing Rapp’s claims directly, Spacey wrote on Twitter: “I have a lot of respect and admiration for Anthony Rapp as an actor. I'm beyond horrified to hear this story.

“I honestly do not remember the encounter,” he continued, “it would have been 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.”

Spacey went on to say that the situation had “encouraged me to address other things about my life.”

“As those closest to me know” he continued, “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.”

However, Spacey’s apology has been deemed deeply inappropriate by many in Hollywood and the gay community, who pointed out that the act of sexually assaulting a minor should have nothing to do with alcohol or sexuality.

“Coming out as a gay man is not the same thing as coming out as someone who preyed on a 14-year-old,” wrote one. “Conflating those things is disgusting.”

Another added: “Your sexual orientation is not the issue; gayness is not an offense. The issue is your reported sexual assault of a minor, which is.”

Read more: Harvey Weinstein’s wife leaves him as she condemns his “unforgivable” actions

Shortly after Spacey’s statement appeared on social media, Rapp reiterated his comments in a Twitter thread.

Explaining that the ongoing sexual harassment scandal surrounding Harvey Weinstein had encouraged him to speak publicly, he said: “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 added: “Everything I wanted to say about my experience is in that article, and I have no further comment about it at this time.”

Read more: Rose McGowan addresses the men of Hollywood following Weinstein allegations

Meanwhile, six women have now accused Harvey Weinstein of rape, and police in London, New York and Los Angeles are actively investigating claims of sexual assault made against the disgraced producer. The most recent allegation was made by an Italian actress and model in Los Angeles, who told the Los Angeles Times that Weinstein forced his way into her hotel room in 2013 and raped her.

For more on the Harvey Weinstein case, click here.

Images: Rex Features