Winner of two Academy Awards Kevin Spacey, whose outstanding acting career was ruined by sex assault charges, goes on trial this week in London, accused of sexual offences against 4 men in Britain.
Spacey, 63, is facing a slew of accusations, including sexual assault, indecent assault and causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without their permission.
The actor, whose full name is Kevin Spacey Fowler, has pleaded not guilty to all 12 charges related to alleged incidents between 2001 and 2013.
During a previous hearing, Spacey’s lawyer stated that the actor “strenuously denies” the charges. The attorney stated that Spacey will appear in court in the United Kingdom to prove his innocence and “proceed with his life.”
His jury trial at Southwark Crown Court begins on Wednesday and is expected to last 4 weeks.
Spacey lived in Britain for more than 10 years, working from 2004 to 2015 as artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre. He was a well-known person in London, appearing in productions including William Shakespeare’s “Richard III” and David Mamet’s “Speed-the-Plow,” as well as hosting star-studded fundraising events for the 200-year-old venue.
British police questioned Spacey in 2019 on allegations that he had assaulted multiple men. He was charged in May 2022 with 5 counts against three alleged victims. In November, seven further charges were filed against a fourth guy.
Spacey, who has residences in both the United Kingdom and the United States, has been released on unconditional bail as he awaited trial.