Actor Kevin Spacey has been declared innocent following a three-week trial in New York.

A New York court has dismissed one of Kevin Spacey’s sexual assault cases due to lack of foundation and evidence.

The trial was scheduled to begin in June 2023, as reported by the BBC. Following a civil trial in Manhattan Federal Court, the judge concluded that the claimant, Anthony Rapp had not proved his claim that Spacey had made an unwanted sexual advance.

This is one of six cases that have been brought against Spacey since 2017. The actor has denied all claims against him, including three in London that he pleaded not guilty to in July. Two cases are yet to go to trial. 

Deliberations lasted over an hour at the end of the three-week civil trial, ultimately declaring Spacey’s innocence. On hearing the news Spacey reportedly hugged his lawyers before departing.

Mr. Rapp had accused the Oscar winner of assaulting him at the age of 14 in 1986, whilst Spacey was 26 or 27, in a party in Manhattan. 

Rapp gave an interview to Buzzfeed in October 2017, in which he detailed the night of the alleged assault. Rapp wrote: “I was aware he was trying to get with me sexually.” 

Following the accusations Spacey received backlash when he came out and announced his sexuality to try to distract from the claims. As a result of the lawsuits, the House of Cards actor was dropped from the Netflix political drama and replaced with Christopher Plummer.

The producers of House of Cards were awarded $31 million in August for damages due to the charges brought against Spacey.

Words: Laura M Parry| Subbing: Yana Trup