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Netflix’s production of the sixth and final season of the original series ‘House of Cards’ has come to a halt right on the heels of Kevin Spacey’s recent sexual assault allegations. The accusations come from actor Anthony Rapp who claims he was a minor at the time of the incident. Rapp states that Spacey made unwanted sexual advances towards him when he was just 14 years old.
‘House of Cards’ was a binge-watching favorite when it was first released and racked up nine Emmy nominations in its first season. Netflix claims that the decision to end the show was made months ago, however the cancellation news spread after the release of a BuzzFeed interview with Anthony Rapp regarding the sexual assault that occurred 30 years ago. Spacey was in his mid-twenties at the time. On Monday, company executives met with the cast and crew to ensure that they “continue to feel safe and supported” following the allegations against the series star Spacey, who had not been scheduled to be on set that day.Â
Spacey issued a statement late Sunday evening, stating that he did not recall the incident Rapp described but apologized for what he said would have been “inappropriate drunken behavior.” The actor went on to say, “but if I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior, and I am sorry for the feelings he describes having carried with him all these years.” In the second paragraph of his statement, Spacey addressed the speculation of his sexual orientation by stating “as those closest to me know, in my life I have had relationships with both men and women.” “I have loved and had romantic encounters with men throughout my life, and I choose now to live as a gay man. I want to deal with this honestly and openly and that starts with examining my own behavior,” he wrote.Â
According to BuzzFeed, more men are coming forward with sexual harassment claims against Spacey after Rapp’s allegations were made public. The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced on Monday that it is withdrawing a special Emmy Award that Spacey was set to receive November 20th.
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