Actors such as Sharon Stone and Liam Neeson are voicing their support for Kevin Spacey and advocating for his return to the entertainment industry. Since facing allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple men in 2017, Spacey has been absent from Hollywood. Recently, a two-part documentary titled “Spacey Unmasked” aired in the U.K. and is now available for streaming on Max. The documentary includes previously undisclosed testimonies regarding Spacey’s alleged sexual misconduct, including a claim that he reportedly groped another actor on the set of “House of Cards.”
In a statement to The Telegraph, Stone and Neeson were joined by renowned actors Stephen Fry and F. Murray Abraham in their collective plea for Spacey’s comeback. It’s worth noting that Abraham, who faced allegations of sexual misconduct during the production of the Apple TV+ series “Mythic Quest,” was subsequently dismissed from the show.
“I am eagerly anticipating Kevin’s return to work. He possesses a brilliant mind and exudes elegance and charm. He is incredibly generous and has an extensive knowledge of our craft, surpassing that of many of us. It is evident that aspiring actors are drawn to him and aspire to be in his presence,” Stone expressed with enthusiasm to The Telegraph.
According to Stone, it is unjust to blame him for the inability of others to reconcile with their own actions and negotiate without hidden motives. Stone expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s terrible that they are blaming him for not being able to come to terms with themselves for using him and negotiating with themselves because they didn’t get their secret agendas.”
In a recent interview, Neeson expressed his profound sadness upon hearing the accusations against Spacey. However, he also defended Spacey, describing him as a good man with strong character. Neeson praised Spacey’s sensitivity, articulation, non-judgmental nature, and terrific sense of humor. He also highlighted Spacey’s exceptional talent as an artist in both theater and film. Neeson personally believes that the entertainment industry needs Spacey and greatly misses his presence.
Abraham stood firmly in support of him, expressing his unwavering confidence. He questioned the motives of those who criticized a man who openly admitted his mistakes and took responsibility for his actions, unlike many others. Abraham believed in his character, declaring him to be a respectable individual. In a powerful statement, he challenged anyone who claimed to be faultless to be the first to pass judgment.
Fry criticized the documentary “Spacey Unmasked” and questioned the decision to compare Kevin Spacey with Harvey Weinstein. He expressed his concern about the continuous harassment and scrutiny faced by Spacey, as well as the allocation of an entire documentary to accusations that have not amounted to criminal offenses. Fry emphasized the need for proportionality and justification in such situations.
In an interview with journalist Dan Wootton, Spacey expressed his disappointment with the documentary, stating that he feels shut out of the industry. The Oscar winner shared his frustration about the lack of opportunities for him to make a comeback, saying that nobody in Hollywood has presented a path for him. He mentioned that there is no coursework material or any guidance given to him, leaving him with no options to prove himself. It seems that some people are satisfied with permanently canceling him, which feels like a life sentence.
Since allegations of Kevin Spacey’s alleged inappropriate behavior and sexual assault first emerged in 2017, multiple legal cases have been filed against the two-time Oscar winner. In 2022, a New York jury determined that he did not molest actor Anthony Rapp, who had accused him of sexual assault in the early 1980s when Rapp was 14 years old. The following year, a court in the U.K. found Spacey not guilty of nine charges of sexual assault brought forward by four complainants. Numerous other charges and lawsuits have been dismissed. Spacey has consistently denied all of the allegations.
In the documentary “Spacey Unmasked,” several new allegations have emerged against Kevin Spacey. One claim suggests that he made an “aggressive sexual move” on a classmate during high school. Another allegation recounts an incident where Spacey allegedly masturbated in a cinema next to an actor while watching the opening scenes of “Saving Private Ryan.”