Anthony Rapp was ‘trying to protect people’ with Kevin Spacey allegations
Actor Anthony Rapp instigated a wave of sexual misconduct allegations against Kevin Spacey when he came forward in 2017 (Mike Coppola/Getty )
Anthony Rapp has appeared on his first television interview since accusing Kevin Spacey of sexual assault in last October.
The Star Trek actor appeared on CBS’ The Talk to open up with the panel on what his intentions were when exposing Kevin Spacey.
The star explained that he was trying to protect and help people when taking the brave decision to come forward.
He said: “I knew that there were more stories so I was just hopeful that coming forward would encourage more people to tell the truth.”
“I knew that it was a risky thing.
“I knew that he was very popular and certainly a respected actor, but at the same time I knew that I was trying to protect people,” he added.
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This was met with a round of applause from the audience and show hosts.
Rapp was met with a mixture of praise and criticism after coming forward.
He told Entertainment Tonight: “I’ve been very surprised by it all.”
“I’ve been very gratified by the response I’ve gotten from so many people. I think all of this is an important step to dismantle the machinery that allowed this sort of thing to continue.”
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After Rapp came forward last year, a number of other alleged victims followed
This includes testimonies from House Of Cards employees who claim Spacey sexually harassed them.
In November, 20 people accused Spacey of sexual misconduct whilst he was creative director at The Old Vic theatre in London.
Because of these allegations, House of Cards will continue without Spacey.
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Following the controversy, Netfix halted production on the show’s sixth and final season and the company has since confirmed that it would film one final season to round out the show, but that Spacey will play no part in the production.
The eight-episode season will still star Robin Wright, who played the villainous Claire Underwood.
Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos said: “We have made an arrangement to produce six seasons of House of Cards.
“It will be an eight-episode season. It will start production in early 2018 and it will not involve Kevin Spacey.
“We were really excited we could get to an agreement… for the conclusion of the show.”
Robin Wright and Kevin Spacey in House of Cards (Netflix)
It is expected that Spacey’s character Frank Underwood, who resigned as President at the end of the fifth series, will be killed off-camera or written out entirely.
Spacey had attempted to come out as gay in response to the allegations of sexual assault – a move that was strongly criticised by LGBT activists.
As well as being booted from his role on House of Cards, All the Money in the World director Ridley Scott made the decision to re-shoot the film without Spacey.
He has been stripped of his Emmy.
(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
Spacey had attempted to come out as gay in response to the allegations of sexual assault – a move that was strongly criticised by LGBT activists.
London’s Metropolitan Police is investigating several allegations relating to Spacey.
Watch Anthony Rapp’s The Talk interview below.
