Shameless actor Kevin Spacey released a third annual Christmas Eve video on Thursday, leaving many wondering if he can read the camera.
YouTube video of almost 2½ minutes, which he posted as well on his Twitter feed, 61-year-old Spacey appeared, addressing the camera directly as he walked into an unidentified park.
“What would Christmas Eve be without a message from me?” he said, launching the video with the southern accent of his former “House of Cards” character, Frank Underwood, as he did in the bizarre holiday videos in 2019 and 2018.
“Listen, a lot of people have contacted me in the last year and shared their own struggles. And my ability to be there for them was possible only because of my own difficulties, ”he said, referring to previous allegations of sexual assault against the Oscar-winning actor. Spacey is currently facing a lawsuit from “Star Trek: Discovery” actor Anthony Rapp, 49, and another man, identified as a CD, who accused him of sexually assaulting them in separate incidents when they were minors. Rapp said he was 14 when his incident took place.
Spacey – who in May said he had “empathy” for people who lost their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic – continued to cry because he could not help people who might be struggling with suicidal thoughts. during a tumultuous 2020.
“Although it was a privilege to offer support, I must say, honestly, he was beyond my abilities and is bigger than me,” said the grim-faced actor. “Because, heartbreakingly, so many have talked about things that have gotten so bad for them that they have thought of taking their own lives. And it is enough for me to want to take a completely different approach this year to acknowledge their pain.
“For anyone who is fighting – or thinking about this idea – please do not take this step,” he continued. “If you stay in a place where you can no longer stand. If you are suffering, if you need help. If you feel guilt or shame. If you struggle with your identity. If your back is supported by the wall. Or if you feel that there is no way for you, regardless of your situation, I promise you that there is a way. “
Spacey then gallantly added “You’re Not Alone” and used the video to promote suicide and substance abuse guidelines. “So, I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a great 2021 and tell everyone out there who could suffer: It’s getting better. It’s getting better, ”he continued, apparently co-opting the name of an LGBTQ support group founded by activist and journalist Dan Savage and her husband, Terry Miller.
While he had some supporters – “Keep your chin up, brother! You are deprived, “ offered one – much of the Twitter feedback was negative.
“Which of your teen sex slaves told you it was a good idea?” said a commentator, while asked another, “Is this your way of trying to conquer people?” Someone else suggested“Perhaps you should stay here every day. #YouveDoneEnoughDamage I’m just saying. “A poster he confronted Spacey “Literally no one asks you to do this,” while another was more direct, written, “Please STOP F-KING”.
In 2019, Spacey – whose films include “Fred Claus” from 2007, “American Beauty” from 1999 and “The Usual Suspects” from 1995, reappeared in Italy to give a poetry reading about a boxer. “The more hurt you are, the bigger you are and the more empty you are,” Spacey said in a poem by Gabriele Tinti.