TW - Mentions of sexual assault
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In 2017, actor Anthony Rapp, known for Star Trek: Discovery and being a Broadway star, gave an interview with Buzzfeed News in which he alleged that Kevin Spacey had made ‘a sexual advance’ towards him.
According to the article published, Spacey was 26 and Rapp was 14. They were both working on a Broadway show. The Star Trek actor then explained that while at a party at Spacey’s apartment, he got bored and wandered into the bedroom. Minutes later, the older actor stood in the doorway, supposedly ‘drunk’. Rapp added:
He picked me up like a groom picks up the bride over the threshold. [...] And then he lays down on top of me. He was trying to seduce me, [...] I was aware that he was trying to get with me sexually.
In the same Buzzfeed interview, Rapp explains that the situation didn’t escalate further. At the time of the article and the allegations, the #MeToo movement was in full bloom and movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was being brought down.
The allegations Rapp made started a long legal process for Kevin Spacey as more people came forward. However, Spacey was found ‘not liable for battery against Rapp’ in 2022. In July 2023, the actor was also found ‘not guilty on all charges related to the sexual assault of four men’ in the UK.
Kevin Spacey comes out of his silence
Since receiving these verdicts, Kevin Spacey had made a comeback into the public space. Today reports that in March 2024 the actor would appear in a new movie – his first project since he was removed from Ridley Scott’s All the Money in the World in 2017.
Later on in the year, Spacey started giving interviews, notably to Dan Wootton, The Telegraph and now Piers Morgan. In those interviews, the actor tells his side of the story and attempts to get closure.
In the Piers Morgan interview, Spacey addressed many different topics ranging from his relationship with his parents, the allegations made against him, Jeffrey Epstein and even King Charles.
Kevin Spacey’s emotional interview
The interview which aired on 11 June has been immediately reported on and dissected. Though what the actor reveals is interesting, what is most striking is the high level of intense emotions portrayed.
Toward the end of the interview, when Piers Morgan asks the actor where he currently lives, the man breaks down. He reveals that his house in Baltimore is being sold at auction. He adds:
I have to go back to Baltimore and put all my things in storage. [...] I’m not quite sure where I’m gonna live now
He also reveals that he’s been close to filing for bankruptcy ‘a couple of times’ since the first allegations came out. Piers Morgan then asked him how much money he currently has.
Spacey gave the following, poignant, answer:
None.
The reason for that is the cost of his legal fees which he says had him spend ‘many millions’.
Kevin Spacey on Prince Andrew
During the interview, specifically about an hour and eight minutes in, the conversation shifts to another scandal: Prince Andrew’s affiliation with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
It is important to note that a picture of Kevin Spacey and Ghislaine Maxwell was taken and published which shows them in the throne room of Buckingham Palace. According to The Telegraph, who exclusively reported on the image in 2020, it was taken during a Palace tour organised by the Duke of York in 2002.
Before quizzing the actor on the image, Piers Morgan explained to him that there was a theory suggesting that Spacey had been the one to invite Maxwell. Seeking clarification, Morgan asked:
Just to be clear, who invited who to this?
As an answer, Spacey gives a long-winded explanation. He says that at the time he was part of President Bill Clinton’s party after they had gone on a eight-day trip to Africa to raise awareness about AIDS. He continues that he was part of a group of other 18 people and that he was ushered into the throne room. He explains that he sat down and that ‘a bunch of people came in and sat down next to [him] and a bunch of pictures were taken’.
According to the actor, that was the first and last time he met Prince Andrew. He also puts to rest the reports suggesting that Prince Andrew had asked him to testify that Maxwell had been his guest in 2002 and not the Duke’s.
Kevin Spacey on King Charles
Milking the Royal Family angle, Piers Morgan then shifts the conversation to King Charles who, he says, has been ‘very supportive’ of Spacey. The actor acquiesces by a simple ‘it’s true’.
The talk then takes an uncomfortable turn with Morgan pressing to know if the monarch had been in touch with the actor when his scandal emerged. At first, Spacey says ‘no’. Then, Morgan insists and asks:
But through other people?
To that, Spacey chooses to give a vague answer:
That may be true.
A sort of tension between the two men settles – Morgan insists which beckons the following reply:
When you start paying your guests Piers, then you’re gonna get the…
We understand Spacey to imply that for this kind of revelation, payment is expected. However the Usual Suspectsactor confirms that he ‘heard a message’ from King Charles.
Have you watched the whole interview yet?
Read more:
Meghan Markle 'ghosting' Piers Morgan may be the real reason for his 'vendetta' against her
Piers Morgan opens up about first impromptu meeting with Prince William 30 years ago
Sources:
Piers Morgan Uncensored on Youtube – Kevin Spacey Admits To ‘Being Too Handsy’ | Piers Morgan Interview
Buzzfeed News: Actor Anthony Rapp: Kevin Spacey Made A Sexual Advance Toward Me When I Was 14
Today: What happened with Kevin Spacey? A timeline of controversies and assault allegations
The Telegraph: Exclusive: How Ghislaine Maxwell and Kevin Spacey relaxed at Buckingham Palace 'as guests of Prince Andrew'