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Billy Crystal tries to clear up his stance on gay sex on TV after being accused of 'homophobia'

The actor, who played on of TV's openly gay characters, said his quotes were taken 'out of context'

Helen Nianias
Tuesday 20 January 2015 07:35 EST
Billy Crystal speaking on the Television Critics Association press tour
Billy Crystal speaking on the Television Critics Association press tour (Rex Features)

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Billy Crystal issued a statement saying that his remarks about gay sex on TV being "too much" didn't reflect his beliefs.

Talking to the Hollywood Reporter, the actor said: "What I meant was that whenever sex or graphic nudity of any kind (gay or straight) is gratuitous to the plot or story it becomes a little too much for my taste."

Crystal, who played a gay character on TV show Soap until 1981, encountered intense criticism after he appeared to make homophobic remarks about LGBT sex scenes on TV during a panel discussion with the Television Critics Association.

He said: "Sometimes it’s just pushed a little too far for my tastes, and I’m not going to get into which ones they are."

Crystal then added: "I see it and I just hope people don’t abuse it and shove it in our face, well, that sounds terrible to the point of it just feels like an everyday kind of thing."

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