March 3, 2019 | Celeb Watch

Ian McKellen sorry for "careless" comments on sexual abuse

Ian McKellen is walking back comments he made about how being in the closet makes some gay men sexual predators.

As part of an extended podcast recently, I suggested that if closeted people were instead open about their sexuality they wouldn’t abuse others. That, of course, is wrong.

 

My intention was to encourage the LGBT audience I was addressing, to be proud and open about their sexuality. In doing so, my point was clumsily expressed. I would never, ever trivialise or condone abuse of any kind.

 

I deeply regret my careless remarks and apologise unreservedly for any distress I caused.

 

When it comes to abuse by people in positions of power, the correct response is clear. The accusers must be heard and the accused given the opportunity to clear their names. If the accusations prove credible, the abuser’s access to power should be removed.