This is heartbreaking. Over the last few days, a number of comments and allegations have been voiced on social media. I’d like to share my thoughts.
Homophobic? No! Some of my dearest friends are members of the LGBTQ community, including several that I brought into my production family on Star Trek Continues. This is a blatantly false statement. I said many years ago that I didn’t think a particular character I voiced was gay, contrary to what some fans believed, not because it matters to me AT ALL, but because I was told this was the case. I also elected not to autograph Yaoi, not because I am homophobic but because I didn’t wish to sign material that was not canon.
Anti-Semitic?? I couldn’t even grasp where this was coming from until someone pointed me to a moment years ago where I was in a panel and referred to a bunch of noise coming from another room jokingly as a “holocaust.” As I said then, it was a metaphor for armageddon, death, and mass destruction, but not “THE Holocaust.” Could I have chosen a different word? Sure, in retrospect I could have. And, of course, I am sorry that it offended anyone.
I sincerely apologize to any convention staff member who ever felt I was anything less than kind and grateful to be included in their event. Unknown to most staffers, contractual arrangements made in advance with cons were occasionally not honored when I arrived and that made me frustrated. That does not excuse making anyone feel badly and I am deeply sorry.
I would also like to sincerely apologize to anyone who ever felt my interaction with them (a hug or a kiss on the cheek or forehead) was crossing a line. Never in a million years would it be my intent to make anyone feel uncomfortable. Rather, it was meant to show gratitude or support. I come from an affectionately expressive family where such displays are commonplace. But I understand that not everyone feels the same way. Hence, I will not be interacting in the same way with fans in the future. Understand this is the climate we live in and this is how it has to be. To my fans who ask me for hugs, etc., I’m sorry, but please know that I am no less grateful to or support of you!
Finally, any allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or most disturbingly, pedophilia, are COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY FALSE. My heart weeps for anyone who endures a violation of this kind, so to be accused of harming others in this way….I have no words.