Get ready for the trial of the century! Kevin Spacey has just arrived at UK Crown Court to face a month-long trial on charges of sex offences against four men. This trial will determine the future of the Oscar-winning American Beauty star in the film and TV industry. Spacey vehemently denies all 12 charges, including sexual assault and indecent assault.
As he stepped out of a taxi this morning, Spacey sported a stylish navy suit and a pink tie. He took a moment to greet the crowd gathered outside the court, flashing a smile and waving as he said ‘Good morning’. The anticipation is palpable as he makes his way into the building.
The trial, taking place at Southwark Crown Court, is set to last four weeks. The big question on everyone’s mind is whether Spacey will take the stand in his own defense. Although he appeared via videolink in April to confirm his name, he is expected to be physically present throughout the trial. Currently, he is out on unconditional bail.
In a preliminary hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in June, Spacey’s lawyer, Patrick Gibbs QC, made it clear that his client vehemently denies any criminality in this case. In an interview with ZEITmagazin earlier this month, Spacey expressed his hope for a future in the industry, stating that there are people ready to hire him once he is cleared of these charges in London.
Back in January, Spacey pleaded not guilty to three counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. He also denied four additional charges of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. The allegations against him span from 2001 to 2013, a period during which he was also the Artistic Director at The Old Vic theatre in London. The theater conducted an investigation into 20 allegations of inappropriate behavior against Spacey and a subsequent report revealed a troubling “cult of personality” surrounding him.
Spacey is no stranger to high-profile trials that attract intense media scrutiny. Just last year, he emerged victorious in a $40 million civil case in New York, where Star Trek: Discovery star Anthony Rapp accused him of sexually abusing him at a party when Rapp was only 14 years old. The jury deliberated for just over an hour before ruling in Spacey’s favor, finding that Rapp had not proven his allegations.
While Spacey has an address in Waterloo, South London, he also resides in the U.S., where he has family and a beloved dog. His lawyer, Gibbs, has stated that Spacey returned to the UK to prove his innocence and move forward with his life. The trial is expected to conclude towards the end of next month.
