Kevin Spacey set to face trial in London on sex charges: What you need to know

Kevin Spacey, the two-time Academy Award winner, faces trial in London for alleged sexual offenses against four men, marking a significant setback in his once illustrious acting career.

What are the accusations against him?

Kevin Spacey, 63, is accused of a dozen charges, including sexual assault, indecent assault, and causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

The renowned actor, who is formally known as Kevin Spacey Fowler, has entered a plea of not guilty to all 12 counts. The charges pertain to alleged incidents that occurred between 2001 and 2013.

During a previous hearing, Spacey’s lawyer asserted his client’s strong denial of the charges. The attorney stated that Spacey is determined to prove his innocence in the U.K. court and move forward with his life.

The trial, set to take place at Southwark Crown Court, will commence on Wednesday and is expected to span four weeks, with a jury presiding over the proceedings.

Why is the trial taking place in Britain?

Having resided in Britain for over ten years, Spacey’s connection to the country is significant. During his time there, he served as the artistic director of the renowned Old Vic Theatre from 2004 to 2015. His prominent presence in London included starring roles in acclaimed productions such as William Shakespeare’s “Richard III” and David Mamet’s “Speed-the-Plow.” Additionally, he hosted high-profile fundraising events for the historic theater, which has a legacy spanning two centuries.

In 2019, British authorities interviewed Spacey regarding allegations of assault made by multiple individuals. Subsequently, in May 2022, he was charged with five counts related to three alleged victims. In November, an additional seven charges were added, all pertaining to a fourth individual.

With residential addresses in both Britain and the United States, Spacey has been released on unconditional bail while awaiting trial.

What lies ahead for Spacey?

During the 1990s, Kevin Spacey established himself as one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, delivering memorable performances in movies like “Glengarry Glen Ross” and “LA Confidential.” His exceptional talent earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for “The Usual Suspects” in 1995, and later a Lead Actor Oscar for “American Beauty” in 1999.

However, Spacey’s career took a drastic turn when he faced allegations amidst the rise of the #MeToo movement. He was swiftly removed from numerous projects, most notably the Netflix series “House of Cards,” where he portrayed the ambitious and manipulative Frank Underwood for five seasons. He was also replaced in the completed film “All the Money in the World,” with Christopher Plummer taking over his role.

Despite the setbacks, Spacey remains resolute that his career is not over. He recently made a comeback with his first film role in several years, starring in Italian director Franco Nero’s “The Man Who Drew God,” and he has also been involved in an unreleased American film titled “Peter Five Eight.”

In January, Spacey was honored with a lifetime achievement award by Italy’s National Cinema Museum in Turin. Making a rare public appearance, he conducted a masterclass and introduced a sold-out screening of “American Beauty,” marking his first speaking engagements in five years.

Acknowledging the organizers’ courage, Spacey expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support of artistic achievement. In an interview with Germany’s Zeit magazine, he lamented being portrayed as a “monster” by the media but expressed optimism, stating that there are individuals who are ready to hire him as soon as he is cleared of the charges in London.