Sue Perkins’ furious response to Kevin Spacey’s sexual assault statement

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Sue Perkins’ furious response to Kevin Spacey’s sexual assault statement

By Susan Devaney

8 years ago

Several well-known figures have spoken out against Kevin Spacey following the statement he made in response to allegations of sexual assault from actor Anthony Rapp. 

Sue Perkins, former presenter of The Great British Bake Off, made her feelings known via Twitter, after Spacey released a statement saying he did not remember the alleged incident, but that he was “beyond horrified to hear this story”.

“If I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology,” Spacey continued.

“This story has encouraged me to address other things about my life. […] I have loved and had romantic encounters with men throughout my life, and I choose now to live as a gay man.”

Many have criticised the House of Cards actor for using his apology statement to come out as gay.

Perkins accused Spacey of undermining the “horrific nature of the allegation” and choosing to “conflate” child abuse with homosexuality.

She wrote: “Well done Kev. You stay silent on your sexuality until the time comes when you can conflate it with an alleged sexual assault on a minor. In doing so, you simultaneously undervalue the horrific nature of the allegation and set back the LGBT+ community. Well done.”

Perkins’ tweets reflect what many have been discussing since Spacey’s statement was released, with comedian Wanda Sykes writing on Twitter: “No no no no no!

“You do not get to ‘choose’ to hide under the rainbow!”

Actress and comedian Rosie O’Donnell didn’t hold back either, posting: “You don’t remember the incident - 30 years ago? - f*** you Kevin - like Harvey we all knew about you - I hope more men come forward.”

The star was making a direct reference to film producer Weinstein, who is currently facing allegations from 80 woman of sexual harassment and/or assault, according to Newsweek

One social media user then asked O’Donnell if she knew of anymore men in Hollywood who abuse their power, she responded:

“Of creepy men in Hollywood? White guys in positions of power? Ummm there are too many.”

O’Donnell then clarified her claim that “we all knew”, by saying: “No one knew it was kids except for the ones he abused, most abusers have many, many victims.”

Rose McGowan – who has accused Harvey Weinstein of rape – also took to social media, saying:

“Bye bye, Spacey goodbye, it’s your turn to cry, that’s why we’ve got to say goodbye,” followed by a ‘Rose army’ hashtag. 

Rapp, who has alleged Spacey sexually assaulted him when he was 14 years old at a party in 1986, told Buzzfeed News 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.”

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

Netflix has reportedly cancelled House of Cards in light of the recent allegations.

Images: Rex Features 

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