A jury found Kevin Spacey not guilty after Anthony Rapp spoke out about sexual misconduct that occurred when he was a minor.
Kevin Spacey began his acting career in the theater before breaking out in neo-noir films in the 1980s. He has received numerous honors throughout his career, including a Grammy Award and twelve Primetime Emmy Awards.
Anthony Rapp accused veteran actor Kevin Spacey of sexual misconduct from an incident that occurred when Rapp was 14 years old in a $40 million lawsuit.
According to reports, Spacey carried the younger Anthony Rapp over the threshold “like a groom carrying a bride” before climbing on top of him and pressing his penis on the teenager’s hip. He eventually reached the front door before the older actor stopped him and asked if he was sure he wanted to leave. Rapp testified that he was able to flee the terrifying situation and hide inside the bathroom for a short time.
Anthony Rapp and his lawyer, Richard Steigman, pressed Kevin Spacey for restitution after Spacey made a sexual advance on Rapp in a Manhattan apartment after a party in 1986. Spacey was 26 years old at the time, while Rapp was only 14 years old.
However, Kevin Spacey was found not guilty in the sexual misconduct civil trial, which concluded on October 20. Jennifer L. Keller, Spacey’s attorney, expressed gratitude to the jury for reaching a quick and decisive decision.
Atty. Keller expressed in a statement:
“Mr. Spacey is grateful to live in a country where the citizens have a right to trial by impartial jurors who make their decision based on evidence and not rumor or social media.”
Following the verdict, Anthony Rapp took to Twitter to share the true purpose of his suit: to inspire the fight against sexual harassment silence.
Rapp expressed:
“Bringing this lawsuit was always about shining a light, as part of the larger movement to stand up against all forms of sexual violence. I pledge to keep on advocating for efforts to ensure that we can live and work in a world that is free from sexual violence of any kind. I sincerely hope that survivors continue to tell their stories and fight for accountability.”
In a statement to E! News, Atty. Richard Steigman echoed his client’s sentiments:
“Anthony told his truth in court. While we respect the jury’s verdict, nothing changes that.”
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