James Franco: Why He Apologized For Instagram Flirting Scandal

HollywoodLife.com has learned EXCLUSIVELY why James Franco went on 'Live! With Kelly And Michael' to tell his side of the story regarding the infamous Instagram flirting scandal.

James Franco, 35, wanted to do things his way and lay all the cards out on the table regarding his Instagram flirting scandal with a 17-year-old fan. HollywoodLife.com has learned exclusively that James wanted to clear the air so that things didn't 'drag on' and get 'put into a bigger story.'

James Franco: Why He Apologized For Instagram Flirting

James just wanted people to 'move on from it' a source close to the actor revealed exclusively to HollywoodLife.com. The Spider-Man actor seemed to be well aware of how dangerous the rumor mills can be once they start churning.

'He wanted to do things the way Hugh Grant did when he confessed on Jay Leno years ago.,' the source revealed exclusively to HollywoodLife.com.

In 1995, actor Huge appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to talk openly about his arrest after being caught soliciting sex from a prostitute.

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'He [James] was embarrassed but now in his eyes it's over. He is a very trusting guy and that trust led him down a road where he got screwed over - but he wanted to speak up for himself, own it and move on,' the source added.

James Franco Instagram Scandal & Why He Apologized

He may have cleared the air and moved on from it but that still hasn't stopped fans from reacting on tweeter.

Most fans have tweeted their shock and disgust, however some have chosen a more comical road, and simply mocked the Pineapple Express actor for reaching out to the girl in the first place.

If you are not familiar with what went down on April 1 - here's what happened:

After a fan, Lucy Clode waited outside of James' Broadway show Of Mice & Men to meet him, he allegedly reached out to her and asked her if she wanted to meet up - even though she's half his age.

Lucy, who was a teenager visiting from Scotland with her mother, took pics of James leaving the show as well as a video. Like most teens would, she posted both on Instagram

What do you think HollywoodLifers, do you think his TV apology was enough or did James get off easy?

- Bryant Perkins More James Franco News: James Franco: Did He Try To Hook Up With A 17-Year-Old Fan? James Franco: Fans Mock Actor On Twitter For Flirting With 17-Year-Old James Franco Confesses Why He Hit On 17-Year-Old Girl - Interview