Kevin Spacey allegations: Eight House of Cards employees accuse actor of sexual misconduct

Accused: More people have come forward making allegations against Kevin Spacey.
AFP/Getty Images
Francesca Gillett3 November 2017

Eight House of Cards employees have accused Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey of sexual misconduct.

According to a report by CNN, the group of current and ex-employees described the American Beauty star’s behaviour as “predatory”, adding it included non-consensual touching and crude comments.

A former production assistant told the American news organisation that Spacey, who plays rising White House politician Francis Underwood in the programme, sexually assaulted him during filming for one of the show’s early series.

Others said the star made the work environment “toxic”.

The series’ production company has reportedly opened a confidential hotline, counselling team and legal advisers for the House of Cards crew.

Earlier this week Netflix announced it was axing House of Cards after the upcoming sixth series - due to air next year - following the first allegation of sexual misconduct from actor Anthony Rapp.

Star Trek: Discovery actor Mr Rapp claimed he was 14-years-old when Spacey made a sexual advance towards him while in the star’s bedroom in 1986.

Kevin Spacey at the 2013 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.
Getty Images

Since then, three more men have spoken out against Spacey, including a West Sussex barman who alleged the actor offered him a £5,000 watch when he was 19-years-old to “keep him quiet” after exposing himself. An unknown UK journalist, and the filmmaker Tony Montana, also made allegations.

Another man also came forward to the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme alleging that he woke up to find Spacey lying on top of him.

And on Thursday, actor Roberto Cavazos, who worked at London’s Old Vic theatre where Spacey was artistic director between 2004 and 2015, said he had had encounters with Spacey "that verged on what you could call harassment".

Spacey, 58, who has won two Oscars for his roles in American Beauty and The Usual Suspects, publicly apologised to Mr Rapp when the first claim was made.

He said was “beyond horrified” at the allegation but could not remember it happening, adding he was sincerely sorry for “what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behaviour”.

In the same statement Spacey, who has always kept his personal life private, said he was gay.

Representatives of the film star said he is now “taking the time necessary to seek evaluation and treatment”. It is not known what type of treatment he is seeking.

Following the new allegations from House of Cards employees, the production company behind the show, Media Rights Capital, said it was “deeply troubled to learn about these new allegations”.

First allegation: Anthony Rapp: accused Spacey of a sexual advance in 1986
AFP/Getty Images

In a statement the company confirmed it had handled one incident in 2012 from a crew member. The worker, who was not identified due to automatic anonymity given to all those who allege sexual abuse or misconduct, had “shared a complaint about a specific remark and gesture made by Kevin Spacey”, the company said.

It added that immediate action had been taken and the matter was resolved.

Netflix told Reuters it was aware of the 2012 incident but of none others.

The Old Vic has urged anyone with complaints to raise them confidentially.

"We are deeply dismayed to hear the allegations levied against Kevin Spacey,” the theatre said in a statement.

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