Aspiring actor ‘woke to find Hollywood star performing sex act on him’, court hears: Kevin Spacey trial
The fourth purported victim of actor Kevin Spacey asserts that after seeking acting advice, he was invited to Spacey’s London apartment where he later discovered the actor engaging in a sexual act. Spacey, aged 63, refutes all accusations leveled against him.
During a trial at Southwark Crown Court in London, a former aspiring actor testified that he believes he was drugged by Kevin Spacey, whom he described as a “vile sexual predator.” The man emotionally recounted waking up in Spacey’s London flat to find the Hollywood star engaging in a sexual act with him. The alleged victim described the experience as “completely traumatic and life-ruining.”
In a police interview played to the jurors, the man became emotional while recalling the incident. He was the final witness among four complainants to give evidence against the two-time Oscar winner. During cross-examination, conducted with the man behind a screen in court, the defence lawyer asked questions about his sexuality and whether he was confused about the events. The complainant condemned the line of questioning as “reprehensible,” firmly asserting that he was taken advantage of, believed he had been drugged, and had experienced sexual assault.
These statements highlight the gravity of the alleged offense and the emotional impact it had on the complainant’s life. The testimony sheds light on the distressing and traumatic nature of the incident, and the individual’s belief that he was subjected to sexual assault.
It is essential to approach these allegations with sensitivity and respect, recognizing the courage it takes for victims to come forward and share their experiences. The trial aims to examine the veracity of the allegations and determine justice in this case.
As the trial continues, it will be up to the court to evaluate the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for all parties involved and may contribute to broader conversations surrounding issues of consent, sexual assault, and abuse of power within the entertainment industry.
Kevin Spacey, aged 63, is facing 12 sexual offence charges, including one charge of sexual assault and one charge of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity, in relation to the fourth complainant. During the trial, it was revealed that the aspiring actor had initially written to Spacey seeking mentorship and was surprised to receive a phone call from him suggesting they meet that evening.
The aspiring actor was informed that Spacey had an interest in “young, straight men,” but he was unaware at that time of Spacey’s predatory behavior, according to the testimony presented to the jury. In his police interview, the complainant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, expressed how the Hollywood star made him feel unusually special by inviting him for a beer. The complainant, starstruck by the actor, did not question his intentions.
Providing details of the night in question, the complainant stated that he met Spacey in London at around 11 pm and walked with him for about 10 minutes before being invited into his flat. According to the complainant, he consumed a few beers and shared part of a joint with Spacey. At one point, as they sat together on the sofa in the living room area, Spacey hugged the complainant and then proceeded to rub his face into the complainant’s crotch, as per the testimonies shared with the jurors.
The complainant vividly recalled the moment, remarking on Spacey’s bald patch on the back of his head and describing the encounter as one of the strangest and most unforgettable moments of his life.
It is crucial to note that Kevin Spacey denies all 12 sexual offence charges brought against him, including the specific charges relating to the fourth complainant. The trial will continue to examine the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence to determine the outcome. The proceedings shed light on the alleged events and contribute to broader discussions surrounding consent, sexual assault, and the accountability of individuals in positions of power.
During the alleged incident, the complainant admitted feeling “very nervous” and “vulnerable” but chose not to leave at that point. He questioned his own behavior, wondering if he was being foolish and if such behavior was common in the “theatre world,” according to his police interview, as shared with the jurors. Additionally, he expressed concerns about not wanting to “annoy” Spacey due to the actor’s influential position in the industry he was trying to break into, acknowledging Spacey’s significant social sway.
As the evening progressed, the complainant described feeling hazy and eventually “conking out” after about an hour at Spacey’s flat, which he found unusual. When he woke up several hours later, he alleged that Spacey was performing a sexual act on him while he was still partially undressed. The complainant stated that he told Spacey “no” and pushed him away, feeling massively shocked and emotionally affected by the situation.
Following the alleged incident, Spacey reportedly advised the complainant to leave and cautioned him not to disclose what had occurred. The complainant described Spacey’s demeanor as “incredibly dismissive.”
During his police interview, the complainant revealed that he initially “completely buried” the alleged incident. He expressed concerns about the potential impact on his acting career and the intimidating prospect of facing a high-profile lawyer representing Spacey, believing that reporting the incident would result in a David versus Goliath situation.
The complainant acknowledged that his gut feeling suggested he was not the only victim but lacked the confidence to come forward at the time. However, he gained the courage to report the incident when allegations against disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein emerged in 2017.
Under cross-examination by Spacey’s lawyer, the complainant denied a specific phone call being from Spacey after he had left the flat, contradicting the duration of the alleged encounter. He strongly denied any consensual aspects of the encounter and rejected suggestions that he questioned his sexuality afterward, acknowledging that the incident was a confusing experience to come to terms with.
These testimonies provide insight into the emotional impact and internal struggles experienced by the complainant. It underscores the power dynamics at play and the challenges faced by individuals who come forward with allegations against high-profile figures. The trial aims to ascertain the truth and determine the appropriate legal course of action.
When questioned about his sexuality and the possibility of misconstruing a consensual act as occurring while he was asleep, the alleged victim expressed his disapproval of the line of questioning, considering it “reprehensible.”
Spacey’s lawyer, Mr. Gibbs, then asked the complainant how he would view someone who engaged in a sexual act solely to advance their career. The man strongly condemned such behavior, describing it as “abhorrent.”
He made it clear to the court that if he were attracted to men, he would be open to exploring that aspect of his sexuality. However, he emphasized that he is not attracted to men and asserted that the only instance of a sexual encounter with a man was when he was allegedly sexually assaulted by Spacey, whom he referred to as a “vile sexual predator.”
Spacey has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. The trial is ongoing, and further proceedings will determine the outcome of the case.
These statements from the alleged victim illustrate his clear stance on his sexuality and his rejection of any insinuation that the alleged encounter could be interpreted as consensual. The trial will continue to evaluate the evidence and testimony presented by both sides, aiming to establish the truth surrounding the allegations against Spacey.
