Kevin Spacey to ‘voluntarily appear’ in UK to face new sexual assault charges

Embattled actor Kevin Spacey, facing a litany of sexual assault charges in the US, has said that he will “voluntarily appear” in UK courts to face four counts of sexual assault charges and is confident of being able to prove his innocence.

Spacey’s intentions of facing the new charges against him came to light on ‘Good Morning America’, wherein a spokesperson for the actor issued a statement on the allegations against the 62-year-old.

Also read | Johnny be good: Depp rocks with Jeff Beck after Amber Heard trial breaks

“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’s spokesperson, reading a statement by the actor, told the US news show.

“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,” the actor’s statement added.

Also read | The elusive brace: 9 directors who have won 2 Palme d’Or prizes at Cannes

Spacey was charged last Thursday by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) after an in-depth review of a file on the actor passed to the service by the Metropolitan Police.

“The CPS has authorized 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,” CPS Special Crime Division chief Rosemary Ainslie had said at the time.

Also read | Amber Heard’s dog stepped on a bee: Deliberations begin amongst jury

It is understood that at least some of the four charges against Spacey stem from his time at the The Old Vic theatre in London, where the 62-year-old served as an artistic director from 2004-2015.

After the landslide of sexual assault allegations against the ‘House of Cards’ actor in the US, the UK opened an investigation into Spacey’s time at The Old Vic, which resulted in 20 victims coming forward to accuse the actor of misconduct.