Kevin Spacey Receives Standing Ovation in First Stage Appearance Since Being Cleared of Sexual Assault
Oxford, UK – Kevin Spacey made a triumphant return to the stage on Monday night, delivering a powerful Shakespeare scene at a lecture held at the Sheldonian theatre in Oxford. This marked his first stage appearance since being cleared of sexual assault charges. The 64-year-old actor performed a five-minute scene from Timon of Athens in memory of the late conservative philosopher Roger Scruton, who recently passed away.
Spacey’s appearance garnered a standing ovation from the audience, showcasing their support for the actor after his legal battles. Just days before this performance, a London cinema withdrew its offer to host the premiere of Control, a British film featuring Spacey. However, despite the setbacks, Spacey remains committed to his craft.
In July, Spacey was found not guilty of sexually assaulting four men after a lengthy trial at Southwark Crown Court in London. Throughout the trial, Spacey vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as “madness” and “absolute bollocks.” He accused the men of having financial motivations and claimed they were after “money, money, and then money.”
The prosecution, on the other hand, portrayed Spacey as a “sexual bully” who exploited his fame and power to abuse his victims. Actor Anthony Rapp was the first to come forward with allegations in a BuzzFeed article, accusing Spacey of an unwanted sexual advance. Rapp later pursued a civil trial in New York, seeking $40 million in damages, but Spacey was found not liable in October last year.
Despite the court rulings in his favor, Spacey has struggled to make a comeback in mainstream film, television, and theatre. While he does not physically appear in Control, he lends his voice to a villain character who remotely hijacks the self-driving car of the home secretary.
The Prince Charles cinema in London, which was set to host the film’s premiere, made the decision to withdraw their support upon discovering Spacey’s involvement. Greg Lynn, the director of the cinema, expressed his horror at being connected to the controversial actor and the premiere of his latest film.
Douglas Murray, the conservative columnist who invited Spacey to perform in Oxford and deliver the lecture, spoke about the relevance of Timon of Athens to the current climate. He stated that the play explores the consequences when society unjustly abandons an individual.
The lecture at the Sheldonian theatre was dedicated to the memory of Roger Scruton, a respected conservative philosopher who passed away from cancer earlier this year. Scruton’s legacy remains divisive, with supporters praising his contributions to conservative thought, while critics accuse him of perpetuating anti-immigrant sentiment.
Spacey’s return to the stage serves as a reminder of his talent and resilience as he looks to rebuild his career. Despite the controversies that have plagued him in recent years, he appears determined to continue pursuing his passion for acting.