Kevin Spacey pleads not guilty to sexual assault charges in UK

Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey has formally entered not guilty pleas to sexual assault charges in the UK dating back 17 years.

The Hollywood star (62) stood in the dock of Court One at the Old Bailey to deny five allegations relating to three men, who are now in their 30s and 40s.

Mr Spacey was listed under his full name of Kevin Spacey Fowler and appeared in person, having been granted unconditional bail.

He spoke to confirm his name and date of birth. He then denied four charges of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

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The alleged offences are said to have taken place in London and Gloucestershire between 2005 and 2013.

At the time, Mr Spacey was artistic director of The Old Vic theatre in London.

Mr Justice Wall set a trial of three to four weeks from June 6th next year. The judge said the case would be transferred to the Old Bailey unless the date could be accommodated at Southwark Crown Court.

A further hearing will take place earlier in 2023. The judge granted Mr Spacey continued unconditional bail.

Mr Spacey thanked the judge at the conclusion of the 15-minute hearing.

Last month, at an initial court hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Mr Spacey’s lawyer, Patrick Gibbs QC, said his client “strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case”.

Mr Gibbs said Spacey returned to the UK “to establish his innocence” and “proceed with his life”.

The charges include two counts of sexual assault on a man, who is now in his 40s, in March 2005 in London; sexual assault on a man, who is now in his 30s, and causing him to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent, in August 2008 in London; and sexual assault on a man, who is now in his 30s, in April 2013 in Gloucestershire.

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges against Mr Spacey in May, but he could only be formally charged after travelling to the United Kingdom last month.

Mr Spacey, a two-time Academy Award winner, is known for starring in American Beauty and The Usual Suspects. He was artistic director at The Old Vic between 2004 and 2015. — PA