Anthony Rapp opens up about the vile abuse he’s received since his Kevin Spacey allegations
Star Trek actor Anthony Rapp has opened up about the hate he’s received from Kevin Spacey fans.
The allegations were the first of many made against Spacey, who came out as gay following Rapp’s claims.
The former House of Cards star is currently being investigated by the Metropolitan Police over two allegations of sexual assault.
An investigation by London’s Old Vic Theatre into Spacey, who was the institution’s artistic director for nine years, unearthed 20 accusations of sexual misconduct against the actor.
Many have praised Rapp’s actions as courageous, with the Rent star having been hailed for breaking down a door which had previously been locked tightly.
But others have abused him on Twitter, accusing him of ruining Spacey’s career and trying to exploit him for cash and recognition.
On Twitter, Rapp revealed the hurtful comments he’s had to read since he made the allegations just over a month ago.
“I haven’t amplified any of the tweets I’ve been tagged in over these past few weeks, and the vast majority of them have been incredibly supportive, but then there are tweets such as these that just boggle my mind,” he said.
The actor, who opened up about being one-half of Star Trek’s groundbreaking gay relationship, then showed some of the abuse he’s received.
One message read: “No sympathy here.
“You demolished a very talented man’s career over an incident for which you do not have a shred of evidence that it took place; just your word.
“Furthermore it happened over 30 years ago and he didn’t break any laws! Pathetic.”
Above the message, Rapp wrote: “Here’s one. Oh, and @AWriterNamedPam I didn’t know it at the time, but I have since learned that he did indeed break a law in this case.
“Namely sexual assault of a minor. FYI.”
Another abuser had a similar message for Rapp.
“I got no sympathy for your story you were way older to know what was happening quit lying , I almost got molested by many men and i got one of them fired and his reputation was destroyed cuz i exposed him at the time he was doing it to me not 30 years later ,your pathetic,” they wrote.
Another person who he highlighted told him: “You forgot it and now, after 30yrs…. And what did you do at party with drugs and alcohol in 14yrs old?
“Don’t tell me anything about abuse, I know myself, how it hurts, but this is only big liquidation for Mr. Spacey! It’s only your envy and desire for money,” they added.
A quick search found many more hateful tweets targeted at Rapp.
“I find it quite odd it took you 30 years to now come out,” one Spacey fan wrote.
“Ya. Ok. People do stupid shit when they’re young and drunk. ❤ spacey.”
Another said: “Bit ridiculous though it was 30 years ago…. why wait so long?
“Doesn’t make sense to me I don’t think you’re being courageous at all”.
Yet another hater wrote: “Except you were not assaulted.
“You experienced something teen girls face DAILY & you’re EXPLOITING it for Career Gain. Shame on you.”
“More like, thinking “how much can I rinse from this guy?” one said.
Another wrote simply: “Liar liar liar liar”.
And yet another said: “So do you have the attention that you wanted now?”
To his supporters, Rapp wrote: “Thank you to all of you who have been expressing support and solidarity.
“Your kindness is felt and much appreciated.
“And I have experienced such support far more than I have experienced negativity.”