NAWAZ’S FIRST GIRLFRIEND ACCUSES HIM OF LYING

The world woke up to two revelations in Hollywood on Monday. Star Trek: Discovery actor Anthony Rapp accused Hollywood star Kevin Spacey of making a sexual advance towards him at a party at Spacey’s house when Rapp was 14. Hours later, Spacey apologised for his misconduct through a statement on Twitter, but chose to come out as gay at the same time. The reactions to this were largely negative, with celebs such as Rose Mcgowan, Robbin Young and Dan Savage slamming him. “Kevin Spacey sexually assaulted a child. That’s news. Not him coming out,” wrote @Indigenousx, while another Twitter user @ Sociallysherri posted, “My gay son & his friends fight stereotypes constantly shame on you Kevin Spacey for linking assaulting a minor with coming out as gay.” The allegation by Rapp, now 46, against 58-year-old Spacey is yet another case of sexual harassment that has come to the fore in Hollywood, recently. First, the Harvey Weinstein scandal, and then, actors Selma Blair and Rachel Mcadams sharing stories of harassment by screenwriterfilmmaker James Toback. Gay or not, sexual abuse needs to be condemned — that’s the sentiment among the youth in the LGBT community in Delhi. “Kevin Spacey is trying to use that card as distraction. He’s a pedophile,” says Mihir Walia (27), an entrepreneur. Nikhail Gupta, a 25-year-old HR professional, agrees, saying, “Why bring up your sexuality while apologising? He might not even be gay.” Himanshu Sinha (22), a graphic artist, who actively campaigns for LGBT rights, adds, “We need to focus on the fact that people choose to look beyond consent, and then just issue statements of apology.” Meanwhile, Rapp, did not respond to Spacey’s apology.

PHOTO: MICHAEL ZORN/INVISION/AP