Actor George Takei addressed the sexual assault accusations made against him in a series of tweets Saturday.
Scott Brunton is a former model and actor who alleges that the “Star Trek” actor and social activist groped him in Takei’s home in Los Angeles in 1981. Brunton, who was 23 at the time, told the Hollywood Reporter that he was living in Hollywood in 1981 and was just beginning to find work as an actor and model when he met Takei, who was 43 or 44 at the time.
The men exchanged phone numbers, and Takei called Brunton after the latter broke up with his then-boyfriend. Takei invited Brunton to his condo, where Brunton alleges that the incident took place.
Brunton also told the Hollywood Reporter that he had considered taking his story to the press several times over the 40 years that passed since the alleged incident, but was only recently motivated to come forward after the Harvey Weinstein scandals and Takei’s recent statement regarding the accusations made against Kevin Spacey.
Takei has since spoken out on the accusations in a series of tweets and a Facebook post, saying that he is “shocked and bewildered” by Brunton’s allegations and that he does not remember the events.
Here is Takei on Twitter:
Friends,
I’m writing to respond to the accusations made by Scott R. Bruton. I want to assure you all that I am as shocked and bewildered at these claims as you must feel reading them. /1
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 11, 2017
The events he describes back in the 1980s simply did not occur, and I do not know why he has claimed them now. I have wracked my brain to ask if I remember Mr. Brunton, and I cannot say I do. /2
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 11, 2017
But I do take these claims very seriously, and I wanted to provide my response thoughtfully and not out of the moment. /3
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 11, 2017
Right now it is a he said / he said situation, over alleged events nearly 40 years ago. But those that know me understand that non-consensual acts are so antithetical to my values and my practices, the very idea that someone would accuse me of this is quite personally painful. /4
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 11, 2017
Brad, who is 100 percent beside me on this, as my life partner of more than 30 years and now my husband, stands fully by my side. I cannot tell you how vital it has been to have his unwavering support and love in these difficult times. /5
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 11, 2017
Thanks to many of you for all the kind words and trust. It means so much to us.
Yours in gratitude,
George /end
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 11, 2017
