In a British court, the American actor is being tried on 12 counts stemming from allegations made by four men between 2001 and 2013. On Friday, he appeared in court to hear the opening day of testimony at London's Southwark Crown Court.The 63-year-old rejects each and every accusation, calling them "many damned lies" according to his attorney.
While serving as the director of the Old Vic theatre in London from 2004 to 2015, the American actor spent a lot of time there.
The trial's allegations against Mr. Spacey, who was referred to by his full name, Kevin Spacey Fowler, were laid out by prosecutor Christine Agnew in the opening statement. Ms. Agnew informed the jury: "He is an extremely famous actor who has won a number of awards. He is also, the prosecution allege, a man who sexually assaults other men.
Spacey, referred to in court by his full name, Kevin Spacey Fowler, was present in the dock, dressed in a grey suit, gold-colored tie, and glasses.
The charges against the veteran US actor include multiple incidents of indecent and sexual assaults, as well as a more serious offense of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent, carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
According to source, “None of the men wanted to be touched by Kenvi Spacey Fowler in a sexual way but he doesn’t seem to have cared very much for their feelings—he did what he wanted to do—for his own personal sexual gratification.”
Three counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without their consent were all brought against Mr. Spacey in January. He entered a not guilty plea to all charges. Additionally, he previously denied one count of inciting someone to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent as well as four additional sexual assault charges.
In his brief opening statement, Patrick Gibbs, who is representing Mr. Spacey in the trial, promised the court that his client would "say in full in due course what actually happened".
He said the allegations happened "a long time ago" and suggested elements had been "reimagined with a sinister spin", "made up or twisted" and "deliberately exaggerated".
Mr Gibbs added: "What did they want from his wealth and from his influence and what do they still want do you think?"
He continued: "You will soon hear I suggest some truths, you will soon hear some half-truths, you will also hear I suggest...some deliberate exaggerations and you will hear many damned lies." Mr Spacey has had a successful career in Hollywood spanning four decades, including winning two Oscars for American Beauty and The Usual Suspects, and starring in the first five series of Netflix's House of Cards.He was born in the US but continues to have a home in London. The trial continues next week.
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