Anthony Rapp reveals why he made his sexual misconduct allegations against Kevin Spacey
Anthony Rapp has opened up about the allegations of sexual misconduct he made against Kevin Spacey.
The Star Trek actor claimed that when he was 14, Spacey invited him to a party at his New York apartment, and while drunk, tried to seduce him by climbing on top of him.
After he made the accusations, dozens of other people made allegations of sexual misconduct against the former House of Cards star.
A man on the east coast of the US said that Spacey repeatedly had sex with him when he was 14.
And 20 people at the Old Vic Theatre in London gave personal testimonies of inappropriate behaviour made by the Hollywood star while he was artistic director at the theatre.
The former House of Cards star is currently being investigated by the Metropolitan Police over two allegations of sexual assault.
Many have praised Rapp’s actions as courageous, with the Rent star having been hailed for breaking down a door which had previously been locked.
But Rapp revealed that there was a price to pay for coming forward, speaking up last month about the vile abuse he had received.
People online have accused him of ruining Spacey’s career and trying to exploit him for cash and recognition.
One hater wrote: “Except you were not assaulted.
“You experienced something teen girls face DAILY & you’re EXPLOITING it for Career Gain. Shame on you.”
Speaking to Attitude, Rapp said that he came forward about Spacey’s alleged sexual advances to make a difference.
“I did it to stand on the shoulders of all that I was witnessing around me,” he said.
“I was hopeful that sharing my story would have an impact.”
He continued: “There are so many different shades and degrees of this kind of behaviour and these kinds of situations, but the most insidious to me is when it’s an abuse of power.”
And the actor had a powerful message for other people in similar situations, referencing the #MeToo movement as he urged people to feel supported.
“No matter what, I would urge anybody to stay safe, take care of themselves and each other and to get help and support when they need it,” he said.
“There is no such thing as truly being alone, which is what I hope this moment demonstrates – that there is strength in numbers.”