How long is long enough to forgive a celebrity for something terrible they’ve been accused of? What if they’ve been to court and were found innocent of some serious charges, but still face multiple other allegations? According to Succession actor Brian Cox, when it comes to Kevin Spacey, it’s time to let go of the hate.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 78-year-old Cox said it’s about time we stop holding onto the anger toward Spacey. Yes, he’s been accused by multiple men of assault, but he’s been found not guilty in court for every charge brought against him.
Cox defended Spacey by quoting a biblical saying: “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” He believes that Spacey had personal struggles he couldn’t openly admit, and this made his situation difficult in many ways. Cox seems to be referring to Spacey’s long battle with his sexuality, as he spent much of his life in the closet before coming out publicly in 2017. This came after actor Anthony Rapp accused Spacey of assaulting him when Rapp was just 14 years old. According to Cox, the challenges Spacey faced with his sexuality were at the heart of his difficulties. “Kevin has had the kicking that some people think he deserved,” Cox said.
Over the years, more than a dozen men have accused Spacey of sexual misconduct, and while he’s been to court twice and won both cases, the accusations still linger. But Cox believes Spacey has been punished enough. “Maybe he got too out of hand, but I don’t think he should be punished endlessly for it,” Cox said. “There should be a case of forgive and forget. Let’s move on. He should be given the opportunity to come back to work.”
Cox’s remarks have raised eyebrows, especially given the gravity of the accusations against Spacey. But Cox continues to stand by him. He also previously defended Spacey in his 2022 book Putting the Rabbit in the Hat, where he called Spacey a “stupid, stupid man” for mishandling his sexuality, which had long been an “open secret.” However, Cox also noted that the timing of Spacey’s coming out during his allegations was a “big mistake,” as it alienated him from many, including the gay community.
As for the broader issue of cancel culture, Cox thinks it mirrors a darker time in history, calling it a form of “modern-day McCarthyism.” McCarthyism refers to the 1950s witch hunts led by Senator Joseph McCarthy, where people were accused and blacklisted for being communists, often without solid evidence or due process.
Cox has defended other figures who’ve been “canceled,” including actor Bill Murray and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. He even feels he himself has been targeted by cancel culture. He recalled a time when he was rehearsing for the play A Long Day’s Journey Into Night and got frustrated with himself while learning his lines. Someone reported him to the union, Equity, in the UK, for getting angry. Cox said he was only upset with himself for struggling with the play, but the incident made him feel like he was being unfairly targeted.
In the end, Cox seems to believe in redemption and second chances—especially when it comes to people who have been publicly shamed. He suggests that it’s time to let go of grudges and give people like Spacey the opportunity to move forward. But whether or not the public is ready to forgive is another matter entirely.