Netflix swiftly distances itself from Kevin Spacey amidst PR scandal

Netflix is actively distancing itself from actor Kevin Spacey, who has been embroiled in PR drama after reports of sexual allegations against him surfaced.The global streaming site has swiftly cancelled its political drama House of Cards, where Spacey played the lead character of Frank Underwood. While talks were already underway to end the series prior to the scandal, the news was the final nail in the coffin for the show. Nonetheless, several media houses reported that Netflix confirmed the decision to end the show was unrelated to the allegations.Netflix, in a statement, also said it was "deeply troubled" by the allegations against Spacey.Recently, Star Trek: Discovery actor Anthony Rapp claimed that Spacey had sexually assaulted him during a party in 1986 when he was just 14 years old. This news comes hot on the heels of the #MeToo hashtag which went viral on social media, condemning sexual assault and harassment. The hashtag spawned from sexual allegations against American film producer Harvey Weinstein made by numerous women.In a Twitter post, Spacey said he "honestly [does not] remember the encounter [as] it would have been 30 years ago", but nevertheless apologised for what would have been "deeply inappropriate drunken behavior".pic.twitter.com/X6ybi5atr5— Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) October 30, 2017House of Cards creator Beau Willimon also issued a statement on Twitter, calling Rapp's story "deeply troubling" and that he did not witness or was aware of such "inappropriate behavior" both on and off set. However, Willimon added that he took such reports very seriously and supports Rapp for his courage.My statement regarding Anthony Rapp and Kevin Spacey: pic.twitter.com/8z6zotHWE5 — Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) October 30, 2017Some netizens came out in support of Netflix's decision - whether or not it was related to the sexual allegations. However, most were unhappy to hear that the series was being cancelled.A start. We should stop allowing abusers to thrive and take advantage of the system.https://t.co/JwcevJAAIi— Ross (@rosselle) October 31, 2017If Netflix ends #HouseOfCards based off shit sexual allegation charges they really need to rethink their logic. It’s a pathetic play... — Victor Corral Chaney (@maiden3392) October 31, 2017So Netflix ends House of Cards because Kevin Spacey came out as gay?!?? Wtf this is 2017 people?? #TrumpsAmerica #Resist #homophobia — Kikkeli McKokkeli (@pekonilkki) October 30, 2017When @netflix ends house of cards  pic.twitter.com/gh7GeyTjPJ — Shelbo (@MyShelboelbow10) October 30, 2017If @netflix ends @HouseofCards myself and many people will be canceling our subscriptions! House of cards and @KevinSpacey are what makes... — Gagombie (@GagieTweets) October 30, 2017Meanwhile, Spacey has also come under fire for the sexual allegations, with some unwilling to believe that he did not remember the incident even though he remembered being drunk. There were also others who stood up for him and said it was just a mistake and that Spacey was still a good actor.