Hollywood star Kevin Spacey is a “predatory” “sexual bully” who “aggressively” sexually assaults men, a court heard today.
The Oscar-winning actor, who has been accused of 12 sexual offenses, has been described as a movie star who enjoys making people feel “powerless and uncomfortable”.
Prosecutor Christine Agnew, KC, opened the case against him, telling Southwark Crown Court: “Kevin Spacey Fowler is an actor; many of you will know that. He is an extremely famous actor who has won numerous awards. He has acted in many films and TV series…
“He is also, according to the indictment, a man who sexually harasses other men.” A man who does not respect personal boundaries or freedom, a man who apparently enjoys making others feel powerless and uncomfortable – a sexual one Bully.
“His preferred method of attack is to seemingly aggressively grab other men’s crotches.”
Kevin Spacey – seen arriving at Southwark Crown Court today – has previously denied 12 charges including sexual assault and indecent assault
The veteran actor is accused of sexually assaulting four men 22 years ago while he was artistic director at the Old Vic Theater in London.
He is charged with three counts of indecent assault, seven counts of sexual assault, one count of inducing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent between 2001 and 2013, and one count of inducing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent between 2001 and 2013.
Christine Agnew said the jury will hear from four men during the trial, all in their 20s or 30s, who caught Spacey’s attention.
She told the court, “Neither of the men wanted to be touched in a sexual way by Kevin Spacey Fowler, but he doesn’t appear to have particularly cared about their feelings.”
“He did what he wanted to do to achieve his own sexual gratification.”
She added: “What is the defendant’s response to these allegations?”
“Well, with regard to some, he suggests that they are quite simply made up.”
“In relation to others, he accepts that there was a sexual encounter between himself and the other man, but insists that whatever took place took place with the other man’s consent.”
As the jury wide-eyed the famous actor in the dock, the prosecutor told them not to “stare.”
“It’s only right that you feel like a star, or overwhelmed, that you’re part of the jury that tries someone so famous, but … you have to keep your feet on the ground and stay true to the oath you took.” accomplished.” She said.
The two-time Oscar winner steps out of a black London cab ahead of his trial this morning
The 63-year-old defendant, dressed in a gray suit, glanced at the floor as the case opened.
Spacey arrived in court smiling at around 8:45 a.m. and was able to grab a cup of coffee in the foyer before heading to Courtroom 2 for the start of his month-long trial.
At a hearing in January, he pleaded not guilty to all 12 counts
The former ‘House of Cards’ star began his career as a stage actor in the 1980s before finding fame in hit films such as ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’, ‘Se7en’, ‘Horrible Bosses’ and ‘LA Confidential’.
He won his first Oscar for a supporting role in The Usual Suspects and received the 1999 Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in American Beauty.
Spacey took up his post at the Old Vic in 2003 and two years later made his Shakespearean debut starring in Richard II.
The actor pleaded not guilty to three counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault and one count of inducing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent in January
He attracted big names to London theatre, including Jeff Goldblum, Sam Mendes, Colm Meaney and Neve Cambell, and shortly after his tenure as artistic director ended in 2015, he was awarded a Knighthood of Honour.
When the actor was charged in May 2022 after a lengthy investigation by the Metropolitan Police, the actor released a statement which said: “I very much appreciate the Crown Prosecution Service’s statement in which they have carefully reminded the media and the public that I am entitled to it.” A fair trial and innocent until proven otherwise.
“While I am disappointed in their decision to go ahead, I will voluntarily appear in the UK as soon as possible and defend myself against these allegations, which I am confident will prove my innocence.”
The process goes on.