Kevin Spacey is heading to court, and he’s doing so “voluntarily.” Recently, it was announced by the Crown Prosecution Service that Spacey is getting charged with four counts of sexual assault involving three alleged victims in the UK. There had been speculation over whether Spacey would have to be formally extradited by the United States to face these criminal charges across the pond, but the House of Cards still will speed up the process by willingly appearing in court.
Per Deadline, Spacey has since released a statement reminding the public that he is innocent until proven guilty. The actor is also planning to prove his innocence in court, and the first step will be to willingly head to the UK courtroom where he will get the opportunity to do just that. You can read Spacey’s statement below.
In their previous statement, the CPS indeed noted that they remind “all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr. Spacey are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.” The incidents are alleged to have occurred between 2005 and 2013, three times in London with a fourth incident in Gloucestershire. Two of the sexual assaults are alleged to have occurred with one victim on two occasions in 2005. Two other complainants have alleged Spacey sexually assaulted them as well in 2008 and 2013.
“I very much appreciate the CPS’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. While I am disappointed with their decision to move forward, I will voluntarily appear in the UK as soon as can be arranged and defend myself against these charges, which I am confident will prove my innocence.”
Kevin Spacey Recently Returned to Acting
Vertical Entertainment
When allegations of sexual assault and misconduct by Kevin Spacey were made public in 2017, the backlash was swift and detrimental for the actor’s career. He had been starring on the hit Netflix series House of Cards, but the streamer had fired him and written off the character as a direct result of the allegations. Spacey’s career had also considerably slowed down, though he would occasionally post videos to YouTube. Ultimately, the pending lawsuits and criminal investigations into Spacey’s behavior were dropped in the United States.
There have been two movies featuring Spacey getting shopped at the Cannes market, putting his name into headlines shortly before the news of the sexual assault charges broke. He is one of the lead actors of the thriller Peter Five Eight, and the filmmakers have released a statement related to the allegations to note that they are standing by Spacey. The statement reads:
Spacey is also attached to a period film called 1242 - Gateway to the West which follows the rise of Genghis Khan’s grandson.
“While it’s unfortunate that increased negative press is timed with Kevin returning to work, it’s also to be expected. There are those who wish for him not to act, but they are outnumbered by fans worldwide who await an artist they have enjoyed for decades returning to the screen. The production has no knowledge or comment on the various swirling allegations, and believe it’s a matter for the courts to determine validity if it exists. Peter Five Eight is a film for fans who care more for the art than the scandal."
