London, U.K.: Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey took the stand in London’s Southwark Crown Court, offering insight into his highly controversial 2017 statement in which he came out as gay amidst allegations of sexual misconduct made by Anthony Rapp. Spacey, who has pleaded not guilty to 12 counts of sexual assault against four individuals, acknowledged the LGBTQ+ community’s concerns regarding the timing and intent of his announcement, this was revealed by Variety Magazine.
“It is now clear to me why members of the LGBTQ+ community were upset. My coming out was perceived as a response to an accusation, and I understand how it was interpreted in that manner,” Spacey expressed during his court testimony. “That was not my intention.” The actor’s appearance marks the third week of his trial, where he faces allegations brought forward by multiple individuals.
In 2017, Anthony Rapp became the first person to publicly accuse Spacey of sexual misconduct, disclosing to Buzzfeed that the renowned “House of Cards” actor had made inappropriate advances towards him at a party when Rapp was just 14 years old.
Spacey detailed the circumstances surrounding his statement, which triggered widespread condemnation from his peers, including notable figures such as Billy Eichner, Zachary Quinto, and Rose McGowan. GLAAD, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, also voiced criticism, with CEO Sarah Kate Ellis remarking at the time, “Coming-out stories should not be utilized to deflect from allegations of sexual assault.”
During his testimony, Spacey revealed that following Buzzfeed’s approach regarding Rapp’s allegation, he engaged in a series of discussions with his team, consisting of lawyers, publicists, and business managers, to determine the appropriate response. “My team acted professionally and to the best of their abilities,” Spacey emphasized. However, he acknowledged the immense pressure he faced, feeling compelled to issue a statement to avoid a public relations disaster.
While acknowledging dissenting opinions within his team, Spacey disclosed that a collective decision was made, leading to the release of a statement in which he publicly declared his sexual orientation as gay.
The man said Spacey made sexual comments before groping his crotch inside a London theatre. #LGBTQ https://t.co/OsoWCppqQI
— LGBTQ Nation (@lgbtqnation) July 9, 2023
“I comprehend why individuals reacted the way they did. It was a reaction driven by various factors,” Spacey admitted.
Furthermore, Spacey revealed that he had contemplated publicly coming out for a significant period and had even considered doing so two years prior at an unspecified event. “The gay community had been urging me for quite some time to embrace my identity publicly,” he disclosed.
The actor clarified that his intention to come out did not solely stem from the Buzzfeed story but rather aimed to address his sexuality and potentially move past the questions surrounding it. “Perhaps now, with the disproven allegations made by Anthony Rapp, people will read my statement with a greater degree of understanding,” Spacey expressed optimistically.
Last October, Rapp’s $40 million sexual battery lawsuit against Spacey was dismissed by the court.
During his initial day on the witness stand, Spacey acknowledged a significant decline in his professional engagements since Rapp’s initial revelation to Buzzfeed. Responding to his barrister, Patrick Gibbs KC, Spacey stated, “I was fortunate throughout my career.” However, when asked if he remained wealthy, Spacey responded simply, “No,” citing a lack of income and substantial legal expenses.
As the trial continues, Spacey’s testimony sheds light on the circumstances surrounding his controversial coming-out statement, providing a deeper understanding of the pressures he faced amid the sexual misconduct allegations. The courtroom revelations offer a unique perspective on a high-profile case that has captivated public attention worldwide.
