Kevin Spacey has spoken out after he was cleared in court and found not guilty of sexual offenses.
The Hollywood star, 63, had denied nine charges against him made by four men who claimed he had sexually assaulted them between 2001 and 2013.
The trial had taken place at Southwark Crown Court in London where all four accusers gave evidence.
In a preliminary court hearing last month, Spacey's attorney said the American Beauty actor "strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case".
Spacey had described the allegations as "madness" and "a stab in the back" when he took to the stand to give evidence.
He had been accused of seven counts of sexual assault, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent, all of which he had denied.
Speaking after the not guilty verdict was announced, Spacey told press: "I imagine that many of you can understand that there is a lot for me to process.
"But I would like to say that I am enormously grateful to the jury for having taken the time to examine all of the evidence and all of the facts carefully before they reached their decision and I am humbled by the outcome today.
"I also want to thank the staff inside this courthouse, the security and all those who took care of us every single day, my legal team Evan and Lucy for being here every day and that's all I have to say for the moment. Thank you very much."
According to reports, Spacey had tears in his eyes as the jury cleared him of all nine offences after 12 hours and 26 minutes of deliberation.
The jury rejected the prosecution's claims that the Oscar-winner had "aggressively" grabbed three men by the crotch and had performed a sex act on another man who was asleep in his flat.
All complainants had denied making their claims for financial gain or to further their career when questioned by Spacey's lawyer, Patrick Gibbs KC.
A number of famous names were also mentioned during the trial, including Sir Elton John, who was even called as a defense witness.
Featured image credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
