Testifying at his London sex assault trial on Thursday, July 13, Spacey asserted that he’s just a “big flirt” and denied the accusations brought against him by his accusers.

Spacey, the Academy Award-winning actor whose career took a nosedive following sexual assault allegations, made an appearance in London on Wednesday for trial. Spacey is facing accusations of sexual offenses against four men in Britain. Amidst the legal proceedings, questions surrounding Spacey’s sexuality have resurfaced.

Spacey, known for his private nature, was hesitant to reveal his sexual identity due to his upbringing. According to the Associated Press, Spacey’s father was a white supremacist and a neo-Nazi, who vehemently opposed his son’s interest in theater and the possibility of him being gay. This tumultuous relationship with his father likely influenced Spacey’s decision to keep his sexual orientation hidden for a significant part of his life.

In previous court proceedings, U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan dismissed claims made by one of Spacey’s accusers, Anthony Rapp, regarding intentional infliction of emotional distress. The judge ruled that these claims were repetitive of Rapp’s other allegations of assault and battery. Spacey’s defense team argued that Rapp believed his own career had suffered because he openly identified as gay, while Spacey had evaded similar consequences by concealing his sexuality, as reported by Vulture.

Also read | Kevin Spacey to face 7 additional sexual assault charges in Britain

Spacey’s legal troubles stem from a lawsuit filed by Rapp in 2020, following the passing of New York’s Child Victims Act. Rapp claims that after meeting Spacey backstage at a Broadway play, the actor later invited him to a party at his Manhattan apartment. Allegedly, Spacey climbed on top of Rapp while he was watching TV in a bedroom, pinning him down on a bed.

Rapp managed to wriggle free, but the experience left him frozen and shaken. Since Rapp initially came forward five years ago, approximately 30 other individuals have made similar accusations against Spacey, some of which he has denied or not responded to. In the U.K., Spacey faces four counts of sexual assault and one count of nonconsensual penetrative activity, to which he pleaded not guilty.

Amidst the legal proceedings, questions surrounding Spacey’s sexuality have gained attention. It is important to note that being gay is not a crime and has no bearing on the sexual assault allegations Spacey is facing. The focus should remain on the legal process and the individuals involved, rather than attempting to draw a connection between Spacey’s sexual orientation and the accusations against him.

Also read | Kevin Spacey did not molest Anthony Rapp in 1986: Jury acquits actor

As the trial continues, the spotlight remains on the victims and the pursuit of justice. The outcome of the proceedings will determine the resolution of the allegations against Kevin Spacey and potentially set a precedent for addressing sexual assault cases in the entertainment industry.