Yesterday, former Star Trek actor George Takei was accused of sexual assault, for something that allegedly happened in 1981. The details described are pretty bizarre, but Takei has denied the incident completely – in a set of recent tweets:
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
Twitter reacted in predictable fashion to the statement, in divide:
amazing that so many people in this thread assume that you are guilty and further assume that your denial makes you even guiltier. for something 40 years ago…
— codyb (@CodyBrown) November 11, 2017
— Russian Agent ? (@RussianAgentAqu) November 11, 2017
Narcissist sociopath pointing the finger at others of your own misdeeds! pic.twitter.com/dfJvYaibMc
— Queen B ❤️Trump ?? (@QueenBforTrump) November 11, 2017
Uncorroborated story broken by #breitbartnews and gossip columns. Hmm. This is conservative warfare. Just a thought. #scottbrunton is probably a bot.
— AZ 4 Equality (@ankneyla) November 11, 2017
I believe you….
— samnsara❄️ (@Samnsara1997) November 11, 2017
I say guilty. Here is George molesting a guest on The Howard Stern Show. pic.twitter.com/4DmfF9Ex10
— Rupert Pupkin (@Rupert_Online) November 11, 2017
The accusation is the latest in a string of disturbing ones against the likes of major Hollywood players including Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and Louis C.K., and there seem to be more coming day after day. We’ll be sure to keep you posted.