Sir Ian McKellen Apologises for Suggesting Abuse by Spacey and Singer Was Because They Were Closeted
Sir Ian McKellen has apologised for remarks he made at National Student Pride suggesting the alleged abuse scandals committed by Kevin Spacey and director Bryan Singer were because the Hollywood players were closeted, reports NME.
McKellen sat down with BBC Radio 4 presenter Evan Davis at National Student Pride last week and discussed at length the sexual abuse allegations being levelled against Spacey and Singer.
“Both of them were in the closet,” he said.
“And hence all their problems as people and their relationship with other people.
“If they had been able to be open about themselves and their desires, they wouldn’t have started abusing people in the way they’ve been accused.”
McKellen’s comments were met with backlash, many criticising it as “ignorant” and “dangerous” to reduce sexual abuse to whether or not someone is closeted.
“I suggested that if closeted people were instead open about their sexuality they wouldn’t abuse others. That, of course, is wrong,” McKellen wrote in an apology on Twitter.
“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,” he added.
“The accused [be] given an opportunity to clear their names… [However,] if the actions are proven credible, the abuser’s access to power should be removed.”
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