Renowned actor Kevin Spacey was acquitted of all sexual assault charges by a London jury on Wednesday, leading to an emotional breakdown in the courtroom. The verdict concluded a high-profile trial at Southwark Crown Court where Spacey faced nine charges, including sexual assault and causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.
Spacey, 64, visibly wept as the jury delivered the "not guilty" verdict on all counts. The actor, known for his roles in "House of Cards" and "American Beauty," mouthed "thank you" repeatedly to the jurors before hugging his lawyer. "I am humbled by the outcome," Spacey stated outside the court, expressing gratitude for the support he received throughout the trial.
NEW: Actor Kevin Spacey starts crying during an interview with Piers Morgan, says he owes millions of dollars in legal fees.
Morgan: Are you facing bankruptcy?
Spacey: We've managed to sort of dodge it, at least as of today.
Morgan: How much money do you have?
Spacey:… pic.twitter.com/E9ZQB7B9Xn
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 11, 2024
The allegations spanned from 2001 to 2013 and involved four men, with incidents claimed to have occurred while Spacey was serving as the artistic director at London's Old Vic Theatre. Prosecutors depicted Spacey as a "sexual bully," asserting that he aggressively groped three men and performed a non-consensual sex act on a fourth man while he was asleep.
During the trial, Spacey firmly denied all accusations, describing the claims as "madness" and insisting on his innocence. He admitted to being promiscuous and engaging in casual sexual encounters but maintained that he never crossed legal boundaries. "It's not a crime to like sex, even if you're famous," Spacey's lawyer argued, emphasizing that consensual adult relationships should not be criminalized.
Forgotten picture of Kevin Spacey with Bill Clinton during a private "humanitarian" trip to Africa.
Look at his eyes. pic.twitter.com/DFZxCnLhWE
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) June 12, 2024
The trial was a significant moment in Spacey's life, particularly given his fall from grace during the #MeToo movement in 2017. He lost his role on "House of Cards" and faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. In a separate civil trial last year, Spacey was also found not liable for battery in a case brought by actor Anthony Rapp.
Reflecting on the past years, Spacey lamented the impact of the allegations on his career and personal life. "I lost my job, I lost my reputation, I lost everything," he told the court, describing the experience as a rush to judgment without proper due process. The acquittal marks a potential turning point for Spacey as he seeks to rebuild his career and reputation.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) responded to the verdict by respecting the jury's decision, acknowledging that their role is to assess the appropriateness of presenting charges, not to determine guilt. The acquittal has sparked discussions about the complexities of high-profile cases and the impact of public opinion on legal proceedings.
As Spacey leaves the courtroom cleared of all charges, the broader implications for his career and public image remain to be seen. The actor's emotional reaction highlights the personal toll of the lengthy legal battle, but with the legal obstacles now behind him, Spacey hopes for a chance to reclaim his place in the entertainment industry.
