Kevin Spacey: who is House of Cards actor, what are the sexual assault charges against him, when is his trial?

Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault charges dating back 17 years

The 62-year-old Hollywood star stood in the dock of Court One at the Old Bailey in London today (14 July) to deny five allegations relating to three men, who are now in their 30s and 40s.

Spacey is known for his roles in oscar-winning films, and has also appeared in popular TV series.

But who is Kevin Spacey, and what charges is he facing?

What are the charges against Kevin Spacey?

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges of four counts of sexual assault against three men.

The alleged incidents took place in London between March 2005 and August 2008, and in Gloucestershire in April 2013.

He has been charged with two counts of sexual assault on a man in March 2005 in London; sexual assault on a man, in August 2008 in London and a separate count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent on the same man.

He has also been charged with a fourth count of sexual assault on another man in April 2013 in Gloucestershire.

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges against Spacey in May, but he could only be formally charged after travelling to the UK in June.

How has Kevin Spacey pleaded?

Appearing at the Old Bailey today (14 July), Spacey was listed under his full name of Kevin Spacey Fowler.

He appeared in person, having been granted unconditional bail.

Wearing a blue suit and blue tie with pink polka dots, he spoke to confirm his name and date of birth.

He then spoke clearly as he denied four charges of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place in London and Gloucestershire between 2005 and 2013.

At the time, Spacey was artistic director of The Old Vic theatre in London.

When will Kevin Spacey face trial?

Having entered the not guilty pleas, Spacey will now face a trial in London next year.

Mr Justice Wall set a trial of three to four weeks from 6 June 2023.

The senior judge said the case would be transferred to the Old Bailey unless the date could be accommodated at Southwark Crown Court.

A further hearing will take place earlier in 2023.

The judge granted Spacey continued unconditional bail.

Spacey thanked the judge at the conclusion of the 15-minute hearing.

The House of Cards star has an address in Waterloo, south London, and in the US, where he has family and a nine-year-old dog.

What happened in the previous hearing?

Last month, at an initial court hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Spacey’s lawyer, Patrick Gibbs QC, said his client “strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case”.

Mr Gibbs said Spacey returned to the UK “to establish his innocence” and “proceed with his life”.

What has Kevin Spacey said?

In a statement previously released to Good Morning America, Spacey was quoted as saying: “I very much appreciate the Crown Prosecution Service’s statement in which they carefully reminded the media and the public that I am entitled to a fair trial, and innocent until proven otherwise.

“While I am disappointed with their decision to move forward, I will voluntarily appear in the UK as soon as can be arranged and defend myself against these charges, which I am confident will prove my innocence.”

What films has he appeared in?

Spacey is an American actor and producer, and started his career as a stage actor in the 1980s. His career gathered pace in the 90s with a spate on film roles.

He is a two-time Oscar winner and known for starring roles in American Beauty, and more recently the Netflix political drama House Of Cards where he played the role of Frank Underwood from 2013 to 2017.

Among the films he has appeared in are The Usual Suspects, and Se7en.

He is also due to star in the film The Man Who Drew God, and more recently had been cast in the film Peter Five Eight.