Kevin Spacey to face trial in UK on sexual assault charges

LONDON – American Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey on Tuesday overturned a London court ruling that effectively found him liable for an alleged sexual attack on a British man, after his lawyers mistakenly failed to present a defense in a civil suit.

Spacey is being sued in London’s High Court by a man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, who claims he was sexually attacked by the Hollywood star in 2008. The actor denied these accusations.

In 2022, the 64-year-old was charged in the UK with nine sex offences against four men between 2004 and 2013, but was acquitted of all charges following a high-profile trial last year.

One of those four plaintiffs brought a separate civil action against Spacey in the High Court in London in 2022.

Earlier this year, a judge entered a default judgment in Spacey’s favor, without a hearing, after Spacey’s lawyers failed to file a timely defense in the lawsuit.

Adam Speker, a lawyer representing Spacey, said it was a “real mistake” on the part of the actor’s legal team at renowned British law firm Carter-Ruck.

Speker argued that it would be unfair for the plaintiff to successfully win the lawsuit against Spacey without a trial since “the jury didn’t believe him under oath.”

Judge Jeremy Cook ruled in Spacey’s favor and overturned a default judgment against the actor.

“The defendant’s lawyers made a mistake,” Cook said. “In my opinion, this error should not be blamed on the defendant.”

Tuesday’s ruling means the plaintiffs’ case against Spacey will continue to a full trial.

Kevin Spacey acquitted all sexual assault allegations: British actor trial explained

The ruling came a day after Britain’s Channel 4 aired a documentary featuring testimony from several men who accused Spacey of inappropriate behavior.

Before the broadcast, Spacey gave an interview to British broadcaster Dan Wootton in which he denied any illegal activities and said he would not allow “baseless attacks without the need to defend himself.”

“I take full responsibility for my past behavior and actions, but I cannot and will not take responsibility or apologize to anyone who has made up things about me or exaggerated stories about me,” he said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kevin Spacey to stand trial in UK for alleged sexual assault