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In 2021, actor John Barrowman, known for his roles in Doctor Who and Arrow, faced severe repercussions in his career following allegations of inappropriate conduct. His portrayal of Captain Jack Harkness during the tenure of Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, as well as a Christmas special in 2021, made him a beloved figure among fans. However, accusations of “flashing” and inappropriate behavior while on set led to Barrowman being essentially “blacklisted” from the industry. In a recent interview, he sought to clarify the context of the allegations and expressed that he harbors no regrets regarding his actions.
Barrowman was widely recognized on British television and stage, earning a reputation that merged acting with hosting duties, making him a cherished personality in many homes. Nevertheless, claims about his past conduct, particularly allegations involving exposing himself and making inappropriate jokes in the presence of women, ultimately changed his trajectory in the entertainment field. In an interview with Scotland Tonight, he articulated his perspective:
“Everybody was doing outrageous, silly things. It’s just that they weren’t dragged into this situation by a piece of lazy journalism.”
When probed by the interviewer whether his actions on set crossed into the territory of criminal behavior, specifically in regards to flashing, Barrowman provided context. He stated:
“No, no, no, no, no. This is where it gets a little misconstrued. I was not walking around flashing people randomly and doing things like that. If I were doing a nude scene… they’d say, ‘Do you want to go back to the trailer?’ I’d say, ‘No, just leave me here.’ It was meant to be a closed set – and I’d say, ‘Leave me here and let’s save time, I’ll just stand here and it’ll save time that I don’t have to go back, have to change, then you have to bring me back and we have to start all over again.’
“So I would stand there, if I was in a nude scene, completely naked, and if somebody walked on set, which they weren’t supposed to or they were, I might just do something like that [jiggles] and it was nothing outrageous. I didn’t see it as outrageous. It was a different time.”
John Barrowman Doesn’t “Regret” What He Did
In recent years, instances of historical inappropriate behavior in the entertainment industry have received renewed scrutiny. These cases have varied widely, with Barrowman’s “jiggle” incidents being relatively minor compared to more severe allegations of groping, assault, and other forms of abuse that have emerged post-MeToo. While Barrowman’s current status in the industry reflects the impact of these allegations, he maintains a stance of no regret over his past actions, which he views as harmless and humorous at the time. He concluded:
“I don’t regret anything. It’s not so much regret; it was something that was stupid and silly and it was done. I don’t look back and go… because at the time, everybody was laughing. Everybody on set was having a laugh.”
For further details, check the full article on MailOnline.
John Barrowman: A Brief Biography
Born on March 11, 1967, in Mount Vernon, Glasgow, Scotland, John Scot Barrowman is a Scottish-American performer acclaimed for his work as an actor, singer, dancer, and television personality. He gained prominence primarily through his performances on British television, particularly for roles in Doctor Who and Torchwood. Barrowman relocated to the United States at the age of nine, with his passion for music and theater encouraged by his high school teachers in Illinois. He pursued performing arts at the United States International University in San Diego, later making his mark in London’s West End as Billy Crocker in Cole Porter’s Anything Goes.
Beyond acting, Barrowman has appeared in various entertainment programs, showcasing his versatility as a television presenter. His significant contributions to musical theater and light entertainment are well-recognized, earning him acclaim and several awards, including a nomination for an Olivier Award and recognition as Stonewall’s Entertainer of the Year. Barrowman has also released multiple albums that have performed well on UK charts, and he has published autobiographical works that reflect on his life and career.
Source
movieweb.com