Kevin Spacey, perhaps best known as the former star of the Netflix political drama House of Cards, has come under fire once more, this time for allegations of sexual battery. The actor, who portrayed a corrupt politician that went from House Majority Whip to President over the series' five seasons, is not a stranger to allegations of sexual impropriety: In October 2017, actor Anthony Rapp accused Spacey of sexually assaulting him when he was a minor. Following Rapp's statement, others began to speak out against Spacey, including crew members from the show, and he was eventually fired from the series.
Amidst all this, a first trailer had been released for the film All the Money in the World, in which Spacey played J. Paul Getty. Spacey was fired from this role as well, and despite the fact that filming had been completed, director Ridley Scott recast the role, hiring Christopher Plummer and reshooting all of Spacey's scenes. Another film featuring Spacey, Billionaire Boys Club, did not choose to recast, but faced further repercussions: The film was released in only 10 theaters nationwide in August, leading to abysmal box office numbers.
Related: House of Cards: Robin Wright Breaks Her Silence About Kevin Spacey Scandal
Spacey has remained out of the limelight for the most part since things came to an end for him on House of Cards, but now, new allegations have come to light. The Wrap reports that Spacey is being sued for counts of sexual battery, gender violence, battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and false imprisonment, by a masseuse who was hired on Spacey's behalf to give him a massage in October 2016. The report details the experience, stating that the plaintiff alleges that Spacey grabbed his hand and forced him to touch the actor and "rub his penis, scrotum, and testicles" twice. The report also states that the actor grabbed his own genitals, and asked to give him oral sex. The plaintiff seeks unspecified damages, with the suit saying that he "suffered and continues to suffer economic harm, loss of earnings and other damages."
This lawsuit is the only known active case against Spacey, but there are potentially others. The report from The Wrap states that a case from 1992 against the actor won't be pursued, but that there's another sexual assault case that Los Angeles prosecutors may be looking into. The incident described by Rapp is said to have occurred in 1986, meaning that it's likely not the case being considered.
Following Rapp's allegations, Spacey chose to respond in a way that surprised many. He stated that he didn't remember the encounter, and called his actions "deeply inappropriate drunken behavior." Moreover, he used the opportunity to officially come out as gay, having chosen in the past to not comment on his sexuality. And though some (such as Louis C.K.) have returned to the public eye following allegations of sexual misconduct, given the overwhelmingly negative response to Spacey's actions and the reports against him, it seems unlikely that he'll be back in the spotlight anytime soon.
More: Robin Wright Believes Kevin Spacey Can Come Back From Assault Allegations
Source: The Wrap
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