George Takei wishes accuser ‘peace’ as he walks back elements of sexual assault claims
Actor George Takei (Jamie McCarthy/Getty)
The man who accused George Takei of sexual assault has walked back several key elements of his story.
In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey scandals, former Star Trek actor and long-time LGBT activist George Takei last year faced accusations that he sexually assaulted a former model at his own home in 1981.
Scott Brunton, who was 23 in 1981, claimed Takei had taken advantage of him after the pair had gone out together as friends.
Brunton had claimed that he had gone back to Takei’s house, but began “feeling very disoriented and dizzy” after two drinks.
(Michael Loccisano/Getty)
Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter in November, Bruton claimed he “must have passed out”, recalling: “The next thing I remember I was coming to and he had my pants down around my ankles and he was groping my crotch and trying to get my underwear off and feeling me up at the same time, trying to get his hands down my underwear.”
Brunton later claimed “I know unequivocally he spiked my drink” – but has now admitted that may have not been the case after an Observer investigation looked at several inconsistencies in the public accounts of the incident he had given.
After the Observer queried his changing story, Brunton confessed to the outlet that he did not remember any touching, and that while he maintains Takei made a sexual advance, he quickly backed off.
Meanwhile toxicology experts suggested that it is unlikely his drink was spiked given Brunton’s account of alertness. One said: “There are drugs today that may do this, but they did not exist [in 1981].”
(Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty)
Brunton appeared to accept this, adding: “It makes him a little less sinister.”
While he still maintains that some of his claims are true, Brunton told the outlet that he only wants Takei to apologise to him.
He said: “I just want him to apologize for taking advantage of our friendship.”
Asked if he considered it “an attack at the time”, Brunton said: “No. Just an unwanted situation. It’s just a very odd event.”
No other accusers have come forward to allege impropriety by Takei.
George Takei (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty)
In a statement Takei wished “peace” on Brunton.
He said: “As many of you know, this has been a very difficult period for myself and my husband Brad as we have dealt with the impact of these accusations, but we are happy to see that this nightmare is finally drawing to a close.
“As I stated before, I do not remember Mr Brunton or any of the events he described from forty years ago, but I do understand that this was part of a very important national conversation that we as a society must have, painful as it might be.
“It is in that spirit that I want folks to know, despite what he has put us through, I do not bear Mr. Brunton any ill will, and I wish him peace.
“Brad and I are especially grateful for the many fans who stood by me throughout this ordeal. Your support kept us going, and we are so immensely thankful for you.”
