Two of the biggest names found in #MeToo-style scandals are Kevin Spacey and Bryan Singer. While, at first glance, you might not think the two men have much in common, Spacey being an actor and singer a filmmaker, they have at least one major similarity – both are gay men, who kept their sexuality hidden for a number of years. And because of that, actor Ian McKellen feels it explains the accused men’s actions.
Speaking on a live #QueerAF Podcast (via USAToday), McKellen was asked his thoughts on the sexual abuse scandals involving the two men. For those not aware, one of the recent accusations surrounding Bryan Singer involved sexually assaulting an underage boy on the set of “Apt Pupil,” which starred McKellen. The actor and director teamed up a few more times in multiple ‘X-Men‘ films. Spacey also worked with Singer, on the filmmaker’s breakout work, “The Usual Suspects.”
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But it’s their closeted sexuality that leads McKellen to his conclusion.
“Most of them were in the closet. 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,” said the actor.
He continued by saying it’s “debatable” whether or not the accusations made against Singer and Spacey should lead to both getting blacklisted from Hollywood.
“I think that’s rather up to the public,” he elaborated. “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. But there may be others for whom that’s not a consideration.”
McKellen closed out his thoughts on the subject with a joking comment saying that he wouldn’t be surprised if someone comes out and accuses him of misconduct. “Frankly, I”m waiting for someone to accuse me of something,” he joked. “And me wondering if they’re not telling the truth and me having forgotten.”