The Spacey Rapp thing is total BS
This week Kevin Spacey came out as gay after he was accused by fellow thespian Anthony Rapp of sexually inappropriate advances. Rapp is a very good looking guy so making an advance is understandable except that Spacey’s advances allegedly happened when Rapp was only 14 and Spacey was 26. Many in Hollywood were quick to condemn Spacey for his comment on Rapp’s allegation and timing of his coming out, and they should – we all should.
First, it is never appropriate for anyone other than a 13, 14, or 15 year old to hit on a 14 year old, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or perceived maturity. I’ll admit that I found Rapp to be very cute in Adventures in Babysitting (when he was 16) but I was only one year older than he was when it came out. Watching the movie now I think of his character as funny but not sexually arousing.
Second, is Spacey’s “apology” which he ties to his coming out. Spacey says he doesn’t remember the incident with Rapp but admits if he did as Rapp says, he was likely drunk at the time and feels sorry. Drunkenness is no excuse to sexually assault someone. Further, that Spacey attempts to use his closeted sexual orientation as a diversion is not only pathetic on his part, it does nothing but add fuel to bigots that spread hate by incorrectly associating gays with pedophiles. In fact, the vast majority of pedophiles are straight and children are abused by someone they know.
My admiration goes out to Rapp and others like Corey Feldman for bringing this disgusting issue into the light. It isn’t easy for anyone to talk about being sexually assaulted but I imagine it’s even harder when it occurred as a child, you’re male, and it could seriously affect your livelihood. Kudos too to the straight and GLB actors that were quick to call out Spacey’s BS apology and coming out.
Let’s hope that Rapp continues with his role on Star Trek: Discovery – so far it’s good and his character is awesome.
Category: Entertainment