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Actor Kevin Spacey Is Acquitted Of Sexual Assault Charges In The UK
Kevin Spacey speaks to press after leaving court at Southwark Crown Court on July 26, 2023, in London, England. The U.S. actor who starred in the popular TV series "House of Cards" and the film "The Usual Suspects" has been cleared of all sexual assault charges brought by men during his time as Artistic Director of The Old Vic Theatre.
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Chris J Ratcliffe
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Topline:
A jury in England acquitted actor Kevin Spacey Wednesday on sexual assault charges, after 12 hours of deliberations.
On hearing the verdict, Spacey wiped away tears and mouthed the words "thank you" to the jury. Today is his 64th birthday.
Why it matters: Spacey could have faced time in prison if convicted.
The backstory: He'd been charged with nine counts of sexual assault — including allegedly groping three men aggressively, and performing a sex act on another while the victim was passed out. The incidents date back to the early 2000s, when Spacey was acting at London's Old Vic theater.
Defense: His defense was that he was a "big flirt" who had consensual flings and made what in retrospect was a clumsy pass, he said, at someone whose interest he misread.
Go deeper: Kevin Spacey Charged With Sexual Assault In Britain
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