The Star Trek icon has denied accusations that he took advantage of Scott R. Brunton back in 1981.
Scott R. Brunton, a former model and actor, has accused George Takei of sexually harassing him when he first started out in Hollywood, back in 1981.
He made the accusations during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, claiming he met Takei – who was 43/44-years-old at the time – at Greg’s Blue Dot Bar, which led to the two exchanging numbers.
Brunton – who was 23-years-old – said Takei was a great shoulder to lean on after splitting up with his partner: “He was very good at consoling me and understanding that I was upset and still in love with my boyfriend.”
After a drunken night out with Takei, he claims the two went back for drinks, resulting in Brunton feeling “disoriented and dizzy”.
“The next thing I remember, I was coming to and he had my pants down around my ankles and he was groping my crotch and trying to get my underwear off and feeling me up at the same time, trying to get his hands down my underwear,” Brunton claimed.
“I came to and said, ‘What are you doing?!’ I said, ‘I don’t want to do this.’ I managed to get my pants up and compose myself and I was just shocked. I walked out and went to my car until I felt well enough to drive home, and that was that.”
Takei has since denied all the allegations against him in several posts on Twitter.
He said: “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.
“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.”
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
Brunton allegedly didn’t come forward sooner because “it’s my word against his”.
He changed his mind after Takei was quoted as saying, “when power is used in a non-consensual situation, it is wrong”, regarding Kevin Spacey’s sexual harassment allegations.
Brunton also told The Hollywood Reporter: “I don’t want anything from him but an apology. I am sure he’ll disown all this, I don’t know, maybe not.”
