James Franco Instagram Flirting With 17-Year-Old? Parents, 'Keep Teens Away From Me,' Says Actor (PHOTO)
James Franco's Instagram flirting landed the actor in some trouble with fans and critics alike. The actor allegedly tried to seduce a Scottish teenage fan Tuesday and prompted her to meet with him in a hotel room. While Franco technically didn't break any laws— the age of consent is 17 in New York state and 16 in Scotland— he received backlash for trying to pick up a girl nearly half his age.
James Franco's Instagram seduction began with his Broadway show, Of Mice and Men. Lucy Clode and her mother were visiting New York from Scotland, and after the show the teen took an Instagram video of Franco, to which he replied: "you gotta tag me."
Later that night, the two started flirting, with Franco making his intentions obvious with Instagram and text messages like: "Do you have a bf?" and "where are you staying?" When Clode said she was "nearly 18," Franco responded "when is your bday?"
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Clode then, getting suspicious and saying Franco sounded "dodgy"— the "Your Highness" actor had pressured her, asking "yes or no" to them meeting— demanded proof. Franco obliged, sending a selfie and then another selfie with Clode's name written down as further proof.
To see the entire exchange between Franco and Clode, click here.
Screenshots of the entire exchange were uploaded to Imgur, and Franco received backlash from many followers on Twitter and Instagram in addition to criticism from media outlets. One person even created a meme of Franco with the caption "Why are you thirsty for underage ones."
Franco reuploaded the image and responded "I'm not! I hope parents keep their teens away from me. Thank you."
While the entire exchange seems fairly straightforward creepy older guy territory, some are suggesting that Franco, who is a fan of performance art and hoaxes, could have messaged Clode as a stunt. The 35-year-old actor has an indie movie coming out called "Palo Alto" in which a soccer coach has an affair with a popular soccer player.
"Palo Alto," which is based on Franco's short stories will star Franco himself, Jack Kilmer, Nat Wolff and Zoe Levin. It is slated for limited released on May 9.
