Kevin Spacey has apologised for allegedly making a sexual advance on a 14-year-old boy in the 1980s, and confirmed long-held rumours he is “living as a gay man”.

The House of Cards actor on Monday said he could not recall the allegations from more than 30 years ago, levelled against him in a Buzzfeed interview with actor Anthony Rapp.

Rapp, now 46, said he had to “squirm” his way out from underneath of Spacey at a post-show party in 1986.

Spacey responded to the allegations in a statement on Monday, saying he was “beyond horrified”.

“I have a lot of respect and admiration for Anthony Rapp as an actor. I’m beyond horrified to hear his story. I honestly do not remember the encounter,” he said in a statement.

“But if I did behave as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behaviour, and I am sorry for the feelings he describes having carried with him all these years.”

Rapp alleged Spacey had picked him up, put him on a bed, and got on top of him when he realised everyone had left the party at Spacey’s apartment. Spacey would have been 26 at the time, while Rapp was just 14.

The stage actor said he had buried his recollection of the events but felt “compelled” to come forward following the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

Spacey said he would take the time to examine his behaviour, and confirmed rumours about his sexuality.

“This story has encouraged me to address other things about my life. I know that there are stories out there about me and that some have been fuelled by the fact that I have been so protective of my privacy,” Spacey said.

“As those closest to me know, in my life I have had relationships with both men and women.

“I have loved and had romantic encounters with men throughout my life, and I choose now to live as a gay man. I want to deal with this honestly and openly and that starts with examining my own behaviour.”

Rapp said the night in question was the first time he’d met Spacey, while the teen actor was appearing in Broadway show Precious Sons with Ed Harris.

Spacey’s career was beginning to boom, following his appearance in Long Day’s Journey Into Night.

Rapp said he was the only minor at the party, and was watching television when he realised everyone had left and got up to leave.

He said Spacey was standing in the doorway when the 26-year-old allegedly picked him up and put him on the bed.