Kevin Spacey arrived at London's Southwark Crown Court this Wednesday, inaugurating a high-profile trial that is expected to span four weeks.
The 63-year-old actor, well-known for his memorable roles on screen, faces a series of 12 sexual offense charges alleged to have transpired between 2001 and 2013, NBC News reports.
Standing under the full name Kevin Spacey Fowler in court, the defendant has fervently denied all allegations. He faces grave charges ranging from indecent and sexual assaults to the more severe offense of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent, an offense carrying a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.
Spacey's initial plea of not guilty was made in July 2022, addressing five of the charges - inclusive of four counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.
He later reiterated his innocence in January, denying seven additional sex offense charges, including multiple alleged sexual assaults against a man from 2001 to 2004.
The jury selection process unfolded today in the renowned actor's trial.
Mr. Justice Wall, the trial judge, underscored the importance of impartiality to the 14 jurors, advising them not to let the defendant's fame or media coverage sway their judgement. "Many of you know his name or have seen his films. That doesn't disqualify you from sitting on this jury," he stated.
While a 12-member jury is the norm in the UK, the court has elected to select two additional jurors as contingencies should any juror realize a connection with an alleged victim or anyone else associated with the case.
The full proceedings of the trial are expected to commence on Friday morning.
A list of the 12 charges against Spacey was read out in court, which included eight allegations of sexual assault, three indecent assaults, and the aforementioned charge of causing a man to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.
Spacey, upon hearing the charges, confirmed his absence of objections to the 14 jurors who swore their oath. The jury panel will be whittled down to 12 after the prosecution lays out its case, the Daily Mail reports.
According to the indictment, Spacey allegedly perpetrated offenses that included inappropriate grabbing, squeezing, and touching of one victim's genitals and buttocks over clothing. The indecent assaults and sexual assaults are dated between 2001 and 2004, while the remaining offenses are reported to have occurred from 2005 to 2013.
The charges are closely tied to Spacey's tenure as the artistic director of London's Old Vic theatre, alleged to have been committed against three men.
As the trial gets underway, it's anticipated to last more than four weeks and is expected to employ alternate jurors due to the length of the proceedings. In the interim, Spacey continues to be granted unconditional bail.
Southwark Crown Court has become a focal point for the world's media as the high-stakes trial commences. A throng of photographers, camera crews, and reporters converged at the court this morning, all eagerly awaiting the appearance of the renowned actor an hour before the hearing was due to start.
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