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Actor Kevin Spacey in court in London
Photo: David Cliff/AP
The international press has been gathering outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London since 6am.
The reason for this is posted on the wooden door of Courtroom 1.
FOWLER is there, the last name of Kevin Spacey.
Case Number 2201021068. For the first time, Spacey himself has to appear in court for a brief hearing.
He is accused of sexually assaulting several men.
Kevin Spacey has been used to flashbulbs all his life.
But when the two-time Oscar winner ( »The Usual Suspects«, »American Beauty«) and former »House of Cards« star is surrounded by photographers in court this morning, followed by his American lawyer, one suspects, although he is with a Smiles through the crowd that he would have preferred to skip this performance.
Spacey is wearing a blue suit and polka dot tie and is looking straight ahead.
He doesn't answer questions.
The fall of Hollywood great Kevin Spacey began in 2017, when, in the course of the #MeToo movement, allegations were made by men for the first time that Spacey had sexually harassed them against their will.
The same year, the Old Vic Theater in London, of which Spacey was artistic director between 2004 and 2015, reported 20 complaints it had received against the actor for inappropriate behavior.
Crew members of the US Netflix series "House of Cards" also accused Spacey of sexual harassment.
Spacey's name was mentioned in the same breath as Harvey Weinstein in the wake of the #MeToo debate movement.
The streaming service Netflix announced its cooperation with him.
The hit series "House of Cards" continued without him.
Spacey was cut from the already completed film »All the Money in the World«.
Kevin Spacey disappeared from the scene - and not in a metaphorical sense.
Spacey himself has repeatedly maintained his innocence.
Even before his appearance in London.
Spacey had already announced to the US broadcaster ABC that he would face the procedure.
Spacey: "I will defend myself against these allegations and am optimistic that my innocence will be proven."
Spacey's lawyers and he try to convey this impression during the brief appearance in court in London.
Spacey confidently enters the courtroom, repeatedly looking squarely at those present and onlookers.
Tell the judge his name, date of birth and address.
The hearing itself lasts less than thirty minutes, but in his speech, Spacey's lawyer makes it clear how cooperative his client is.
And also how innocent.
However, Spacey's defense attorney's contribution to the conversation strongly contradicts what Spacey is accused of in the indictment.
Charged with “penetrative sexual activity without consent”
Spacey will face four counts of sexual assault against three different men in the coming weeks.
Today is just the start of what will most likely be a lengthy criminal proceeding.
The alleged acts are said to have taken place in London and the county of Gloucestershire between 2005 and 2013.
Another was charged with "penetrative sexual activity without consent."
The term »without consent« is read out several times that day.
The trial in London, the judge in London decides, will continue on July 14 at Southwark Crown Court.
Until then, Spacey can remain at large and continue to travel to the United States.
A previously issued arrest warrant was lifted.
His defense attorney had said in court that his client's face was "well-known."
Where should Spacey go into hiding when he's famous?
There is no risk of escaping.
In addition, Spacey's nine-year-old dog lives in the United States.
As Spacey exits the courthouse, a court clerk watches the press hype from a second-story window.
"So many fallen stars," she says softly.
"First Boris Becker, now Kevin Spacey."
does she feel sorry for him?
"I don't feel sorry for anyone who messes things up," says the employee.
Spacey will soon face a civil lawsuit in New York.
Plaintiff Anthony Rapp says he was only 14 at the time of the alleged assault.
A New York judge on Monday denied Spacey's motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
So far, Kevin Spacey has been punished primarily by Hollywood for his alleged actions.
Now courts in London and New York must decide whether and to what extent he is guilty or innocent.