Kevin Spacey to stand trial in London this week for alleged sex offences
Spacey faces 12 charges including sexual assault and indecent assault
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Kevin Spacey goes on trial in the Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday (28 June).
The 63-year-old actor has been accused of sex offences against four men that prosecutors say occurred between 2001 and 2013.
The House of Cards star previously denied 12 charges including sexual assault and indecent assault.
In January, Spacey pleaded not guilty to three counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.
The two-time Academy Award winner also previously denied four further charges of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.
Spacey has an address in Waterloo, south London, but also lives in the US, where he has family and a dog.
In an initial court hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in June, Spacey’s lawyer, Patrick Gibbs QC, said his client “strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case”.
Gibbs said the defendant returned to the UK “to establish his innocence” and “proceed with his life”.
Spacey’s trial is taking place in Britain because he spent more than a decade living in the country, where he was artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre from 2004 to 2015.
He was a high-profile figure in London, starring in productions including William Shakespeare’s Richard III and David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow, and hosting star-studded fundraising events for the 200-year-old venue.
Spacey was questioned by British police in 2019 about claims by several men that he had assaulted them. He was charged in May 2022 with five counts against three alleged victims. Another seven charges, all against a fourth man, were added in November.
The actor is known for starring in House of Cards, American Beauty, and The Usual Suspects.
At the moment, Spacey is on unconditional bail.
Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Additional reporting by agencies
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.