Sir Kenneth Branagh believes the Hollywood abuse scandal is a "horrible, horrible wake-up call".

Sir Kenneth Branagh

Sir Kenneth Branagh

The 56-year-old actor believes the recent wave of sexual abuse allegations made against a number of big-name figures in the movie business has shone a light on the issue and Sir Kenneth hopes that, in time, it will instigate "change for the better".

Reflecting on the allegations that have recently engulfed Hollywood, he told 'Lorraine': "I think it feels like a sea change. It is about the abuse of power and it's not just [Hollywood] but it's clearly across other areas and other workplaces.

"I think it's a horrible, horrible wake-up call to what has never been acceptable and never can be acceptable and may now, in some profound way, I hope, change for the better."

In recent days, movie producer Brett Ratner has become another big-name figure within Hollywood to be accused of sexual misconduct.

Actress Olivia Munn claimed the movie mogul "furiously masturbated" in front of her when she was visiting a friend on the set of his 2004 movie 'After the Sunset' and entered his trailer to deliver a meal, after being asked to do so as a favour.

She said: "He walked out ... with his belly sticking out, no pants on, shrimp cocktail in one hand and he was furiously masturbating in the other.

"And before I literally could even figure out where to escape or where to look, he ejaculated."

Five other actresses have accused Ratner of sexual misconduct or harassment, but he has strongly denied all of the claims made against him.

Prior to that, Kevin Spacey apologised to Anthony Rapp after the 'Star Trek Discovery' actor claimed Spacey made a sexual advance towards him when he was just 14 years old in 1986.

In a statement on Twitter, Spacey - who also revealed he is now living as a gay man - said: "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, it would have been over 30 years ago.

"But if I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior, and I am sorry for the feelings he described having carried with him all these years. (sic)"

Tagged in