'I've got the memo': Kevin Spacey addresses allegations in interview
What's the story
In a rare live television appearance on NewsNation's Cuomo, disgraced Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey addressed the latest accusations against him. This marked his first live interview in years, during which he expressed his desire to return to work and stated that he has "learned" from his experiences. "I'm trying to show that I've listened. I've learned. I've got the memo," Spacey said.
Documentary
Spacey denied claims featured in new documentary
The allegations against Spacey were recently examined in a two-part documentary titled Spacey Unmasked, now streaming on Max. The documentary includes claims of alleged sexual misconduct, including an accusation that he groped another House of Cards actor on set. However, Spacey denies these new allegations of inappropriate behavior from the men featured in the documentary. "I feel very strongly that whatever mistakes I've made in my life, that I paid a price."
Criticism
Spacey criticized #MeToo movement, called for honest journalism
During the interview, Spacey criticized the #MeToo movement, stating it had "swung far in the direction of unfairness." He called for "honest journalism" as a means for his redemption and expressed his commitment to rebuilding trust. "I have to work very hard at rebuilding the trust that some may have lost in me... I want to prove that I'm a man of great character. The responsibility for that is mine," he said.
Response
Was denied 'fair opportunity' to respond to allegations: Spacey
Spacey also denied ever doing anything illegal and addressed the allegations made in the documentary. Before the documentary aired, he had requested Britain's Channel 4 to give him more than seven days to respond to these allegations but was refused. He argued that seven days was not a "fair opportunity" for him to refute any allegations made against him. He had fought tooth and nail to prevent the documentary's broadcast, but it went live nonetheless.
Twitter Post
Listen to Spacey here
“I use to always want to be just the best actor and now I want to prove that I’m a man of great character” @KevinSpacey broke his silence tonight. pic.twitter.com/vyW2MdwEI4
— Christopher C. Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) May 17, 2024
Subject
Subject of the documentary that rattled Spacey
Spacey was previously cleared of nine charges related to sexual misconduct in a case involving four men at Southwark Crown Court. He also won a 2022 US civil lawsuit where he was accused of making an unwanted sexual advance in 1986. The new documentary presents new allegations from individuals not involved in these past legal proceedings. It's not yet available for streaming in India.
The documentary's aim
The documentary's aim and recent support for Spacey
Dorothy Byrne, one of the documentary's producers, earlier expressed her hope that the film might inspire a #MeToo movement among men. "I've made a lot of programs over decades about women suffering inappropriate behavior, so this has been a very interesting project to work on. I do feel that it's a #MeToo moment for men," she told Observer. Meanwhile, actors such as Liam Neeson, Sharon Stone, and Stephen Fry have recently come out in his support.