Kevin Spacey has pleaded not guilty to seven sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom. He appeared virtually in a London court Friday to address the charges filed against him last year. According to Variety, the hearing was in relation to a second set of charges against Spacey that were made in November. The new charges span three offenses of indecent assault, three offenses of sexual assault and one offense of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. They are all in relation to one male complainant, and the alleged assaults span a period from 2001 to 2004.
Variety further reports that Spacey’s lawyer, Patrick Gibbs, also appeared via video link to agree to a motion to join Spacey’s pair of indictments which would allow one trial to address all counts against Spacey. A pre-trial hearing was also tentatively set for April 5. His trial begins June 6 and could reportedly last for up to four weeks. The actor was also granted unconditional bail ahead of Friday’s virtual appearance.
“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,” Spacey told Good Morning America in November via representative. “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.”
Spacey now faces 12 charges in total, per Deadline, from the time he lived in London working as the Artistic Director of the Old Vic Theatre. He had previously appeared at a pre-hearing on December 16 to confirm his name, date of birth and address. As per the report, on January 16, Spacey is due to deliver a masterclass at Italy’s National Cinema Museum and then receive their lifetime achievement award.
