Ian McKellen has apologized for saying that the alleged sexual abuse caused by Bryan Singer and Kevin Spacey was because they were closeted.
McKellen, 79, appeared on the “#QueerAF” podcast where he was asked for his thoughts on the #MeToo movement, Singer and Spacey.
The actor responded that the alleged acts happened because both men were in the closet.
“Most of them were in the closet. Hence, all their problems as people and their relationship with other people,” McKellen said. “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.”
After the comments faced backlash, McKellen issued an apology on Twitter.
“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,” he said. “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 trivialize or condone abuse of any kind. I deeply regret my careless remarks and apologize unreservedly for any distress I caused.”
1/4 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. pic.twitter.com/9k6KLH2hx9
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) March 2, 2019
