«Breaking News» Ian McKellen apologises for 'clumsily' comments about 'sexual assault' and being 'in the closet'

Ian McKellen, pictured, made the comments about Kevin Spacey and Bryan Singer being 'in the closet' during a recording in London

Actor Ian McKellen has apologised for remarks that seemed to suggested that if closeted people were open about their sexuality they wouldn’t abuse others.

The actor made the comments during a live recording of the #QueerAF podcast at the National Student Pride event in London.

While speaking to Evan Davis the Lord of the Rings actor made the comments about Bryan Singer and Kevin Spacey, who he has worked with in the past. 

McKellen said: 'Both of them were in the closet, hence all their problems as people and their relationships with other people,' suggesting that allegations of abuse may not have arisen.

McKellen continued: 'If they'd been able to be open with themselves and their desires they wouldn't have started abusing people in the way they have been accused.'

He also addressed issues about whether Singer and Spacey, who he worked with while Spacey was artistic director of The Old Vic theatre, should work again.

McKellen said: 'I think that's rather up to the public. Do you want to see someone who's been accused of something that you don't approve of? 

'Do you ever want to see them again? If the answer is no, you won't buy a ticket, you won't turn on the television. 

McKellen was speaking about two people he has worked with in the past Kevin Spacey, left, and Bryan Singer, right, who have both been accused of sexually assaulting other men

'But there may be others for whom that's not a consideration.'

Also during his interview at the Pride event, McKellen seemed to joke about whether he was also going to be accused.

He said: 'Well quite frankly I'm waiting for someone to accuse me of something, and me wondering if they're not telling the truth and me having forgotten.' 

McKellen worked with American director Singer on the X-Men movies. Singer has been accused by several underage boys of raping them. He denies the allegations.

Kevin Spacey has also been accused by more than a dozen men of sexual harassment or assault. He also denies the allegations against him. 

Actor Anthony Rapp first claimed Spacey made a sexual advance towards him when Rapp was 14, in an interview in 2017.

McKellen posted a statement online this morning about the comments made in the recording

Six of the cases are currently being investigated by the Metropolitan Police and are alleged to have taken place between 1996 and 2014. 

This morning McKellen clarified his comments made in the podcast recording saying he deeply regrets his 'careless remarks'.

He tweeted: 'As part of an extended podcast recently, I suggested that if closeted people were instead open about their sexuality they wouldn’t abuse others. That, of course, is wrong. 

'My intention was to encourage the LGBT audience I was addressing, to be proud and open about their sexuality. In doing so, my point was clumsily expressed. I would never, ever trivialise or condone abuse of any kind. 

'I deeply regret my careless remarks and apologise unreservedly for any distress I caused. 

'When it comes to abuse by people in positions of power, the correct response is clear. The accusers must be heard and the accused given the opportunity to clear their names. 

'If the accusations prove credible, the abuser’s access to power should be removed.' 

Link hienalouca.com

https://hienalouca.com/2019/03/02/ian-mckellen-apologises-for-clumsily-comments-about-sexual-assault-and-being-in-the-closet/
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Ian McKellen, pictured, made the comments about Kevin Spacey and Bryan Singer being ‘in the closet’ during a recording in London

Actor Ian McKellen has apologised for remarks that seemed to suggested that if closeted people were open about their sexuality they wouldn’t abuse o...

It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.

Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.

Dianne Reeves Online news HienaLouca





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