Kevin Spacey Says He Pushed 'Boundaries' by Being 'Too Handsy'

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Facts

  • In a wide-ranging interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan, actor Kevin Spacey addressed the sexual assault claims made against him, admitting to 'pushing the boundaries' by being too 'handsy' but rejecting this conduct was criminal.1
  • The two-time Oscar winner was first accused of sexual misconduct in 2017 by actor Anthony Rapp. Spacey was acquitted of sex assault charges from four accusers in a UK trial in 2023, while a suit from Rapp was dismissed in 2022.2
  • Regarding his conduct, Spacey says that he would at times initiate touching he 'didn’t know at the time they didn’t want.' When Morgan suggested the behavior amounted to groping, Spacey pushed back, saying he was always 'gentle.'3
  • Spacey was also pressed on his connections to sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. Spacey flew on Epstein's private jet in 2002 with former Pres. Bill Clinton, but denied ever being friends with the now-deceased sex offender.3
  • During the trip with Epstein to South Africa, Spacey says he was uncomfortable with the presence of young girls on the flight, saying they put Clinton 'at risk.' Spacey says he was invited by Clinton for the humanitarian trip.4
  • The actor also discussed his financial woes, saying this his residence in Baltimore is being foreclosed due to mounting legal debts. Spacey said that his main goal now is proving that he is a 'man of good character.'2

Sources: 1BBC News, 2Independent, 3The Telegraph and 4Newsweek.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Yahoo News. Kevin Spacey is one of the most talented actors of his generation, and it is time for the court of public opinion to forgive him. Spacey has never been found guilty in a court of law, and it would be unjust to let unproven allegations destroy his career.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Jerusalem Post. Spacey's sob story is convincing nobody. The actor has been accused of misconduct by more than 30 men, and there is a well-established pattern of behavior speaking to his predatory nature. This interview finally sees him admit to this, and while he is a fine actor, it is no excuse for the harm done to his victims.