Renowned actor Kevin Spacey is due to face trial in the United Kingdom this summer after being accused of sexually assaulting four men. The trial is scheduled to commence on June 28th at Southwark Crown Court following a preliminary hearing, which Spacey attended via video-link.
Spacey has firmly denied all 12 charges levied against him, which span from 2001 to 2013. The trial is anticipated to last up to four weeks, with the possibility of an additional hearing in May. Although he wasn’t physically present, Spacey appeared via video-link wearing a light shirt, grey suit, and burgundy tie.
At the hearing, Spacey’s barrister, Patrick Gibbs KC, interacted with prosecutor Christine Agnew KC and judge Mr Justice Wall. Meanwhile, Spacey himself confirmed his full name as Kevin Spacey Fowler. It is not known where Spacey appeared from, as Gibbs declined to disclose his client’s whereabouts.
In December, the Hollywood actor was slapped with seven new charges, including indecent assault, sexual assault, and causing someone to engage in sexual activity without their consent. The allegations date back to between 2001 and 2004, involving sexual touching and forcing a person’s hand against the defendant’s privates over clothing.
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Spacey had previously pleaded not guilty to three counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of causing someone to engage in sexual activity without consent. He also denied four charges of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. Consequently, Spacey now faces 12 sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom.
Notwithstanding the charges, Spacey has enjoyed a glittering acting career. He was a prominent figure in the 1990s, starring in blockbuster movies like The Usual Suspects, Se7en, and American Beauty. On the small screen, he portrayed US President Frank Underwood in the Netflix series House of Cards, which was a commercial and critical success. Over the years, Spacey has amassed a slew of awards, including two Oscars, a Bafta, Tony, and Golden Globe, in addition to multiple Emmy nominations.
As he awaits trial, Spacey has been granted unconditional bail.