We Need To Talk About Kevin: Kevin Spacey Responds To Anthony Rapp's Sexual Assault Allegations

These are dark times for Hollywood, and the personal lives of the rich and famous are slowly seeping their way into the media in a more shocking way than anyone could've ever imagined. With the Harvey Weinstein debacle appearing to be just the tip of the iceberg for the industry, another major star has been accused of sexual assault.

This time, it is The Usual Suspects and House of Cards star #KevinSpacey who is under the spotlight in a situation that has taken an unexpected turn.

Anthony Rapp Says Kevin Spacey Tried To Seduce Him When Rapp Was 14

Speaking with BuzzFeed News, Star Trek: Discovery star Anthony Rapp has accused Spacey of making drunken advances on him at a party when he was aged just 14. According to Rapp, he was invited to a party at Spacey's apartment in 1986 — they had become friends after working on Broadway shows together — where the 26-year-old future House of Cards actor made inappropriate moves on him:

"He picked me up like a groom picks up the bride over the threshold. But I don't, like, squirm away initially, because I'm like, 'What's going on?' And then he lays down on top of me...He was trying to seduce me... I was aware that he was trying to get with me sexually."

The pair haven't spoken since, Rapp says, and it is only now at the age of 46 that he feels comfortable sharing his story.

Spacey's representatives initially refused to comment on the allegations, but the star himself has decided to make a public announcement. Not long after Rapp's interview, Spacey took to Twitter to say that he can't recall the night in question, but then also came out the closest as a gay man:

However, Spacey's move to address his sexual preference in the middle of an assault charge drew some major social media backlash, including from actors Billy Eichner and Zachary Quinto:

Spacey is one of Hollywood's best-known stars, and with an illustrious CV of blockbusters, two Academy Awards, and six seasons (and counting) of House of Cards, his career had showed no sign of slowing down. Had he decided to come out at any other time, he probably would've been greeted by the support of the community, but many are left baffled by what seems to be a particularly calculating move on Spacey's part.

Obviously, some major concerns will be raised after Rapp's allegations, especially considering that Spacey isn't wholly denying that the evening took place. The backlash is likely only just beginning, and this is one story that is sure to haunt Spacey for the rest of his working career and beyond.

The big question now is what will happen to the likes of House of Cards and Spacey's place in the industry. Will we have a repeat of the Weinstein incident — with all those around him jumping ship — or is this a furor that Spacey can escape?