George Takei is walking back questionable comments he made about grabbing men to “persuade” them to have sex in the wake of a sexual assault allegation against him.
Days after former model Scott R. Brunton said Takei groped him without his consent 36 years ago in the actor’s home, a month-old interview between the “Star Trek” star and radio host Howard Stern resurfaced that certainly didn’t do him any favors.
In the conversation, Takei jokes about touching men against their will back in his “Star Trek” heyday, seemingly admitting to some inappropriate behavior, while still maintaining that everything was consensual.
On Monday, the actor apologized for the comments he made on-air, explaining that he was playing a “naughty gay grandpa” caricature, something he now regrets.
“Many have raised concern over a back-and-forth between Howard Stern and myself, where we joked about me touching men during my Star Trek days fifty years ago,” Takei wrote on Facebook. “Out of context, I agree that the joke was distasteful, and I’m very sorry he and I made fun out of a serious matter.”
“I want to be clear: I have never forced myself upon someone during a date. Sometimes my dates were the initiators, and sometimes I was,” he continued. “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.”
He then reiterated that non-consensual acts go against everything he believes in and that he would never engage in this kind of behavior.
"Star Trek" co-stars Nichelle Nichols and George Takei pose backstage at the hit musical "Allegiance" on Dec. 6, 2015, in New York City.
Screen grab of George Takei as Hikaru Sulu in Season 2 of "Star Trek." Original air date was March 29, 1968.
Screen grab showing Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov, William Shatner as Capt. James T. Kirk, Nichelle Nichols as Uhura, George Takei as Hikaru Sulu and James Doohan as Montgomery "Scotty" Scott on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise in "Star Trek." Original airdate was Sept. 20, 1968.
George Takei during the world premiere of "Mulan" at Hollywood Bowl.
George Takei signs autographs for fans.
George Takei leads the Dragon Con parade through downtown Atlanta.
Kim Miyori and George Takei during the 3rd annual AAPAA Media Awards.
George Takei as Maj. Kato in a 1976 episode of "Black Sheep Squadron."
George Takei and Jeffrey Ross during Comedy Central's Roast of William Shatner.
George Takei signs his autobiography, To the Stars, at Borders Bookstore in Miami in 1994.
Portrait session with George Takei as he runs in Echo Park in 1998.
John Wayne as Col. Mike Kirby and George Takei as Capt. Nim in "The Green Berets," directed by John Wayne, Ray Kellogg and Mervyn LeRoy, 1968.
Actors Norman Alden, George Takei and Skip Ward on the set of the Paramount Pictures movie "Red Line 7000" in 1965.
Portrait session with George Takei at MOCA in downtown Los Angeles, featuring a sculpture by Richard Deacon.
Lisa Lampanelli, George Takei, Patton Oswalt and Andy Dick.
George Takei and his partner Brad (Altman) Takei sign marriage documents on June 17, 2008, in West Hollywood, California.
George Takei and Nichelle Nichols at the 2008 Outfest Closing Night Gala at The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.
George Takei as Kaito Nakamura in "Heroes."
George Takei and his fiance Brad (Altman) Takei pose for the media while other gay couples wed on June 17, 2008, in West Hollywood.
Actor George Takei and Brad (Altman) Takei display their marriage document on June 17, 2008.
James Kyson Lee as Ando Masahashi and George Takei as Kaito Nakamura in "Heroes."
George Takei attends the screening of "Clubbed" on Jan. 7, 2009, in London.
Comedian Gilbert Gottfried attends the Friars Club's roast of George Takei on Aug. 19, 2008, in New York City.
Actor George Takei and partner Brad (Altman) Takei after they were married at the Japanese American National Museum on Sept. 14, 2008, in Los Angeles. Fellow "Star Trek" actors Walter Koenig and Nichelle Nichols follow.
George Takei and husband Brad (Altman) Takei arrive at the 81st Annual Academy Awards on Feb. 22, 2009.
Kathy Griffin, George Takei and Brad (Altman) Takei attend a Prop 8 protest on May 26, 2009 in West Hollywood.
George Takei and the 2009 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Court attend the 43rd Anniversary Visionary Awards on April 27, 2009 in Universal City, California.
George Takei and Kathy Griffin in "Kate is Enough: The Kate Gosselin Story" on "Jimmy Kimmel Live."
Commissioner of Social Security Michael J. Astrue, actress Patty Duke and actor George Takei attend the official launch of George Takei and Patty Duke's Social Security Administration Public Service announcements on April 6, 2011, in New York City.
George Takei participates in the 11th Annual Official Star Trek Convention at the Rio Hotel & Casino on Aug. 12, 2012, in Las Vegas.
George Takei attends the 2012 Pride March on June 24, 2012, in New York City.
George Takei attends the 2012 Hollywood Christmas Parade benefiting Marine Toys For Tots on Nov. 25, 2012, in Los Angeles.
Kevin Bacon, John C. Reilly and George Takei onstage during rehearsals for "8" at The Wilshire Ebell Theatre on March 3, 2012, in Los Angeles.
Natalie Morales, Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie and George Takei appear on the "Today" show.
George Takei attends the "To Be Takei" special screening at the Friars Club on Aug. 12, 2014, in New York City.
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