Kevin Spacey to ‘voluntarily appear’ in UK court over sexual assault charges
Kevin Spacey will ‘voluntarily appear’ in UK court over alleged sexual assault charges (Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images)
Actor Kevin Spacey has said he will “voluntarily appear” before court in the UK after being charged with several counts of sexual assault.
The actor, 62, was charged with four counts of sexual assault and one count of causing penetrative sexual activity without consent on Thursday (26 May) by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), all of which allegedly took place in the UK.
Spacey was reportedly under threat of being formally extradited to the UK from the US if he declined to appear voluntarily, over the incidents that allegedly occurred between March 2005 and April 2013.
In a statement to Good Morning America, Spacey said: “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.
“While I am disappointed with their decision to move forward, I will voluntarily appear in the UK as soon as can be arranged and defend myself against these charges, which I am confident will prove my innocence.”
On Thursday (26 May), Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said in a statement: “The CPS has authorised criminal charges against Kevin Spacey, 62, for four counts of sexual assault against three men.
“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.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Spacey are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.”
It is alleged that Spacey committed four sexual offences in London and one in Gloucestershire. The first two sexual assault charges are alleged to have both been against the same male complainant, and to have taken place in London in March 2005.
The third assault charge took place in August 2008, when Spacey allegedly engaged in penetrative sexual activity without consent against a man who is now in his 30s.
The fourth charge reportedly took place in Gloucestershire in April 2013.
Spacey, who has won two Academy Awards and made fame for his roles in American Beauty, Seven, and The Usual Suspects, has denied all allegations against him.
