Kevin Spacey: George Takei says allegations are not about sexuality but abuse of power

'Men who improperly harass or assault do not do so because they are gay or straight'

In the wake of allegations against Kevin Spacey made by Anthony Rapp, numerous high-profile members of Hollywood have spoken out against the House of Cards actor.

One of the most notable to speak out has been George Takei, who called Spacey coming out as gay a “deflection” from the allegations.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the former Star Trek actor said the issue was abuse of power, not sexuality.

"When power is used in a non-consensual situation, it is a wrong," Takei told the publication. "For Anthony Rapp, he has had to live with the memory of this experience of decades ago.

“For Kevin Spacey, who claims not to remember the incident, he was the older, dominant one who had his way. Men who improperly harass or assault do not do so because they are gay or straight — that is a deflection. They do so because they have the power, and they chose to abuse it."

Rapp — who has a starring role on Star Trek: Discovery — made the allegations while talking to Buzzfeed News, saying Spacey sexually assaulted him following a party in 1986. Rapp was only 14 years old at the time.

Spacey reacted to the allegations by issuing a statement, saying he could not remember the encounter and offering his “sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behaviour.”

The American Beauty actor then revealed he is gay, writing: "I have loved and had romantic encounters with men throughout my life, and I choose now to live as a gay man."

Spacey's decision to reveal his sexuality alongside the apology has proven controversial not only with Takai, many other Hollywood commentators criticising the statement.

Amid the allegations, Netflix has also announced that House of Cards will not continue following the sixth season, although this decision was made months ago by the streaming service.