Spacey was first hit with the charges, which also include one count of “causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent,” in late May. “The CPS has authorized criminal charges against Kevin Spacey, 62, for four counts of sexual assault against three men,” Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said at the time. “He has also been charged with causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. The charges follow a review of the evidence gathered by the Metropolitan Police in its investigation.” When he was first charged, Spacey issued a statement through a representative to ABC’s “Good Morning America,” maintaining his innocence but expressing a willingness to cooperate with the trial.
“I very much appreciate the Crown Prosecution Service’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,” he said. “While I am disappointed with their decision to move forward, I will voluntarily appear in the U.K. as soon as can be arranged and defend myself against these charges, which I am confident will prove my innocence.” Now, he will have to do just that, as his first court appearance will take place later this week. The news comes as Spacey, who has been a pariah in the American entertainment industry since being accused of sexual assault by over a dozen men in 2017, has begun acting in European films again. He stars in the new thriller “Peter Five Eight” from director Michael Zaiko Hall, and recently lined up his biggest role since his scandal in the upcoming historical drama “1242 – Gateway to the West.” Many had said that the accusations had not damaged his reputation in Europe nearly as much as in America, but it remains to be seen if the upcoming trial on European soil will change that. Spacey is due at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on June 16 at 10:00 London time. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.
