Kevin Spacey Found Not Guilty in British Sexual Assault Trial

Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey has been acquitted of nine counts of sexual assault in a London court, marking another legal victory for the embattled star.

Trial in London

Spacey, 64, stood trial over the past several weeks in London, where he was accused of four counts of sexual assault and five counts of assault against three men between 2005 and 2013. All of the alleged incidents took place in London and Gloucestershire when Spacey was artistic director of the Old Vic theatre.

After deliberating for over an hour, the jury returned majority not guilty verdicts on all nine charges. Spacey showed no visible emotion as the verdicts were read out but thanked the jury for their time and consideration of the evidence.

Continued Legal Battles

This represents the second time in just over a year that Spacey has beaten sexual assault allegations in court. In 2019, criminal charges were dropped in Nantucket, Massachusetts over an alleged incident in 2016. Then in 2021, a $40 million civil lawsuit brought against him in New York was dismissed.

While Spacey's legal troubles may be behind him, the allegations continue to dog the star's career. He was edited out of the final season of popular Netflix series House of Cards and largely disappeared from public view following the initial allegations in 2017.

Road to Recovery

Despite the acquittal, it remains to be seen if Spacey can revive his once-stellar career. The star has indicated he hopes to make a comeback now that his name has been cleared in London. Only time will tell if audiences and the industry are willing to accept him once more in major roles.

FAQs

What were the specific charges Kevin Spacey faced in the UK trial?

Spacey faced four counts of sexual assault and five counts of assault against three men between 2005 and 2013 in London and Gloucestershire.

How did Spacey react to the not guilty verdicts?

Spacey showed no visible emotion as the verdicts were read but thanked the jury for their consideration of all the evidence presented.

Has Spacey faced other legal issues over sexual assault allegations?

Yes, in 2019 criminal charges were dropped in Massachusetts and a $40 million civil lawsuit was dismissed in New York the following year.

What is the status of Spacey's career following these acquittals?

His career has been in limbo since 2017 but Spacey hopes the not guilty findings will allow for a comeback. Only time will tell if audiences accept him back.

What other major roles has Spacey been known for?

Some of Spacey's most notable roles include the Oscar-winning performances in American Beauty and The Usual Suspects as well as the lead role in the Netflix political drama House of Cards.