Kevin Spaceyhas begun giving evidence in his U.K.sexual assault trial.
TheHouse of Cardsalum is facing 12 charges of sexual assault involving four men from 2001 to 2013, perThe Guardian. Spacey denies all of the charges.
One of the complainants alleges that Spacey touched him while he drove him to a showbiz party in the early 2000s, perBBC News.
HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty
While giving his defense during his trial, Spacey told the jury that touching the complainant was “in my mind romantic” and denied assaulting him, adding that he was “somewhat intimate” with the alleged victim.
Spacey arrived at court wearing a black suit and patterned sky blue tie.HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty
Spacey also said he had developed a “flirtatious relationship” with the complainant and he touched the man in “romantic” and “intimate” ways. “Yeah, I am a big flirt,” he told the court, according to BBC News.
“It did not happen in a violent, aggressive, painful way,” he continued “It was gentle … and it was, in my mind, romantic."
Spacey then went on to say that he did not take things to the next level because the alleged victim “made it clear that he did not want to go any further.”
The actor began giving evidence in the witness box.Elizabeth Cook / PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
Elizabeth Cook / PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
The individual also alleges on one occasion that Spacey grabbed his crotch so hard while he was driving that he almost drove off the road, per BBC News.
Denying that ever happened, Spacey said that he was “not on a suicide mission” during the time the complainant alleges the incident took place.
Spacey denies all of the charges.HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty
The alleged victim said Spacey “smelled of booze” and grabbed him with “such force it was really painful,” adding: “It was aggressive. It wasn’t trying to be a seduction. It was angry.”
Speaking in the witness box on Thursday, Spacey said what the complainant says he did to him is “madness,” because “it never happened.”
“I never said any of the things that he claims I said to him, and wouldn’t. And never have to anyone in my life,” he said, perBBC News.
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Spacey was also shown a photo containing the complainant and was asked if he recognized him, to which he said he did not.
A fourth complainant accused Spacey of having drugged him and performing a sex act on him while he was asleep, per BBC News.
The alleged victims have described Spacey as “slippery,” “disgusting” and a “vile sexual predator” during their evidence.
Spacey, meanwhile, said, “I lost my reputation, I lost everything in a matter of days,” in regard to when allegations were first brought against him.
He also said, with some exceptions, that he hasn’t been able to work for the last five to six years.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.
source: people.com
