Actor Geoffrey Rush is denying allegations made against him that he acted inappropriately towards a costar seven years ago.
“Orange is the New Black” actress Yael Stone said in multiple interviews with Australia’s ABC News and The New York Times that Rush sent her sexually suggestive text messages, exposed himself to her and tried to watch her shower during their stint together in the 2010-2011 play,”Diary of a Madman,” CNN reported.
While the Oscar-winning actor was 59 at the time, Stone was 25 and played a relatively minor part in the play.
“From the outset I must make it clear that the allegations of inappropriate behavior made by Yael Stone are incorrect and in some instances have been taken completely out of context,” Rush said in a statement. “However, clearly Yael has been upset on occasion by the spirited enthusiasm I generally bring to my work. I sincerely and deeply regret if I have caused her any distress. This, most certainly, has never been my intention.
“As I have said in the past, I abhor any behavior that might be considered as harassment or intimidation to anyone — whether in the workplace or any other environment.”
Stone told ABC that she waited so long to come forward with her claims because she was afraid that speaking out against a high-profile actor like Rush would ruin her career.
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