By Breaking Celebrity News Staff

John Travolta -- still reeling from a gay sex scandal -- made his first public appearance Thursday night since being accused of sexual misconduct with two male massage therapists.

The 58-year-old Pulp Fiction star was among several celebrities who spoke at the American Film Institute's tribute to Shirley MacLaine in Los Angeles.

Travolta didn’t sit in the audience,  but rather only appeared on stage to sing the praises of the iconic, Oscar winning actress.

In his remarks, Travolta said, "Several years ago, Warren Beatty was talking about a young actress. And I said to him, 'What was she like?' And he said, 'She filled the room with presence like I've never seen before.' And I said, "You know your sister, Shirley? She fills the room with presence.'" Travolta then added, "She fills the world with presence like no one I've ever seen before. And that's my Shirley. And I love you."

"Shirley MacLaine is first a dancer, and when you move from