Kevin Spacey arrives at the Westminster Magistrates' Court, in London.Photo: CARLOS JASSO/AFP via Getty Images
Kevin Spaceymade his first appearance in court as part of the legal proceedings forfour charges of sexual assaultfiled against him in the U.K. last month.
The actor, 62, appeared at the Westminster Magistrates Court in London on Thursday morning. There, he confirmed his name, date of birth and London address, and was also told of the charges he is facing,The New York Timesreported.
Spacey’s lawyer, Patrick Gibbs, said that his client “strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case,” per theLondon Evening Standard. An arrest warrant that was previously issued for Spacey was also withdrawn after he voluntarily appeared in court, the outlet added.
Prosecutor Natalie Dawson argued that theHouse of Cardsstar should not be granted the ability to leave Britain, stating that there were “substantial grounds” to believe he may not return to face trial, per theTimes. Spacey’s lawyer argued against it, however, noting that the actor needed to travel for work and largely resides in the United States with his dog.
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Kevin Spacey leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court in London.Kate Green/Getty Images
The U.K.’s Crown Prosecution serviceannounced the chargesagainst Spacey on May 26 for allegations stemming from three different men. Spacey said five days later that he would"voluntarily appear"in court to face the charges.
“I very much appreciate the Crown Prosecution Service’s statement in which they carefully reminded the media and the public that I am entitled to a fair trial, and innocent until proven otherwise,” the star said in a statement toGood Morning America.
“While I am disappointed with their decision to move forward,I will voluntarily appear in the U.K.as soon as can be arranged and defend myself against these charges, which I am confident will prove my innocence,” he continued.
Two of the alleged events took place in London in 2005 — another two were said to have happened in 2008.
The star first faced sexual assault allegations in 2017 when actorAnthony Rapp, now 50,accused the actor of making sexual advancestoward him when he was 14 years old.
Kevin Spacey at Westminster Magistrates Court in London.Carl Court/Getty Images
He also controversially chose to speak openly about his sexuality for the first time in the statement: “I choose now to live as a gay man.”
Kevin Spacey.Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images
Along with a 2016civil lawsuitandcriminal sexual assault casefor a groping accusation, which was dropped in July 2019, Spacey faced further allegations in 2018 from three other alleged victims in England. By July 2019, he was facing at least six sexual assault cases — with an investigation still underway.
“The production has no knowledge or comment onthe various swirling allegations, and believe it’s a matter for the courts to determine validity if it exists,” the message continued. “Peter Five Eightis a film for fans who care more for the art than the scandal.”
RELATED VIDEO: Robin Wright on Kevin Spacey’s Sexual Assault Allegations: ‘We Never Socialized Outside of Work’
Despite the list of sexual assault claims, Spacey was named as a main cast member to be joining Director Franco Nero’s 2021 Italian filmL’uomo Che Disegno Diolast month.
The movie marks hisfirst movie rolesince allegations against him first surfaced.
source: people.com
