James Franco’s Alleged ‘Creepy’ Instagram Exchange With Lucy Clode Inspires Debate: Isn’t 17 Legal In New York?

Twitter reacted fiercely Thursday after actor-director-author James Franco allegedly tried to pick up a 17-year-old girl from Scotland. Lucy Clode, who happened to be visiting New York, supposedly received private Instagram messages from the 35-year-old cultural multitasker, where he tried to get the address to her hotel room.

Many immediately labeled the “Of Mice and Men” Broadway star “creepy,” while others wondered if it was just a publicity stunt. Franco is known for his quirky nature, and it doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility that he would try to pick up a 17-year-old just to see if he could, or just pretend to so he can generate some buzz about a new movie.

Lucy Clode has since deleted her Instagram account, but the pictures still live on the Internet and the gossip has not died down since the news broke Thursday morning. Franco has since responded, in his own inimitable way:

I'M NOT! I HOPE PARENTS KEEP THEIR TEENS AWAY FROM ME. Thank you http://t.co/I1d4n3yVe0

— James Franco (@JamesFrancoTV) April 2, 2014

Some fans, however, didn’t think there was anything creepy about the 30-something star trying to get with a teenage girl. To them, any girl should be flattered if Franco tried to get with her.

@JamesFrancoTV Seriously don't get why anyone would say you're creepy. Any normal girl would be flattered for you to notice them.
— Sarah (@MrssSarahh) April 3, 2014

Others opined that he may in fact be creepy if he did hit on the Scottish teen, but they didn’t care. They were still devout followers.

I do not care if James Franco is creepy because he hit on a teenager. I am still in love with him.
— Gambino (@HayleyWylie) April 3, 2014

Creepy or not, it's an unwritten rule that if James Franco chats you up, you just go with it
— Bella Bullivant (@bellavant) April 3, 2014

In fact, in the state of New York, it might be creepy to have sex with someone who is 17, but it’s not illegal.

People who think this James Franco thing is "soo creepy" may also want to address the laws that make it 100% legal for him to bang that girl
— Julia Pumilia (@Bruisey) April 3, 2014

Not sure where outcry about James Franco and 17 year old is coming from. Isn't 17 the age of consent in NY? Creepy, yes. Illegal, no.
— Erin Campbell (@OriginalOestrus) April 3, 2014