George Takei Apologizes For ‘Distasteful’ Sex Joke During Howard Stern Interview

The 80-year-old actor took to social media to address his controversial interview in which he made comical remarks about sexually touching men during his “Star Trek” days. His apology comes just a week after Takei was accused of sexually assaulting a male model in the 1980s.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Takei admitted on the Howard Stern Show that he always played the role of “naughty gay grandpa,” but reiterated that he “would never do something against anyone’s will, period,” and that any “grabbing” in a sexual manner was done with consent and in his home.

The “Star Trek” actor’s interview on the shock jock’s show drew some negative criticism after poking fun of a sensitive issue.

Takei regretted playing along with Stern’s insinuation and admitted that the outcome of his comments have “come across poorly.”

“I agree that the joke was distasteful, and I’m very sorry he and I made fun out of a serious matter,” Takei added.

Takei was previously linked to Scott R. Brunton, a former model and actor who accused the “Star Trek” icon of sexually harassing him 36 years ago. Brunton claimed that Takei forced him to engage in sexual activity by groping his crotch and persuading him to take off his underwear.

However, Takei denied the sexual harassment allegations stating that the incident “simply did not occur.”

“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,” Takei explained in regards to the allegations.

Takei insisted that he never forced sexual acts on anyone he met, since non-consensual acts goes against his personal code of conduct.

“I have never forced myself upon someone during a date,” Takei stressed. “Sometimes my dates were the initiators, and sometimes I was. It was always by mutual consent. I see now that that it has come across poorly in the awkward sketch, and I apologize for playing along with Howard’s insinuation. Non-consensual acts are anathema to me and my personal code of conduct, and I would never do something against anyone’s will, period.”

Featured Image via Wikimedia Commons / Gage Skidmore (CC BY 2.0)