Spacey cleared of sexual assault charges

Actor 'grateful' after London jury trial

by Amber Wilkinson

Kevin Spacey
Kevin Spacey Photo: Pinguino k

American Beauty Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey has been cleared of all charges in his sexual assault trial.

Not guilty verdicts were returned by a jury for nine sexual offence charges relating to four men between 2001 and 2013 at Southwark Crown Court in London.

In a statement, the 64-year-old said her was "enormously grateful to the jury for having taken the time to examine all of the evidence and all of the facts carefully before they reached the decision".

Spacey had denied seven counts of sexual assault, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. The trial lasted four weeks.

The star's acting career had been in the doldrums since allegations first surfaced in 2017, when he was cut from Ridley Scott's All The Money In The World and replaced by Sir Christopher Plummer.

Outside court, Spacey - who was artistic director at the Old Vic Theatre in London between 2004 and 2015 - added: "I am humbled by the outcome today. I also want to thank the staff inside this courthouse, the security, and all of those who took care of us every single day."

Share this with others on...
News

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

The only thing worth saying Chuko and Arie Esiri on adapting Mrs Dalloway and making Clarissa

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film