Kevin Spacey Cleared Of Sexual Battery Lawsuit Filed By Anthony Rapp

Kevin Spacey was cleared by a jury yesterday and not found liable for battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress, the terms of the lawsuit brought against him by actor Anthony Rapp. Rapp had accused Spacey of picking him up and laying on him inappropriately in private at a Manhattan party when he was 14 years old.

After eight days of testimony the jury reportedly only deliberated about an order before giving the verdict in Spacey’s favor. Elements that swayed the jury were apparently a floor plan presented by the defense that conflicted with parts of Rapp’s account, and that since Spacey didn’t touch an intimate body part of his, it wouldn’t qualify under the Child Victim’s Act.

Rapp retold his story as part of his testimony, which he first revealed in an interview with Buzzfeed in 2017. The team also had a psychologist, Lisa Rocchio, who testified that he has struggled with his sexuality, depression and PTSD since the incident.

After the trial, Rapp’s attorney Richard Steigman told reporters, “Anthony told his truth in court. While we respect the jury’s verdict, nothing changes that.”

Spacey’s attorney Jennifer Keller said, “I’m very grateful to the jury for seeing through these false allegations.”

Rapp issued his own statement online, where he thanked the jury and also said, “this lawsuit was always about shining a light, as part of a larger movement to stand up against all forms of sexual violence.” Rapp had seeked $40 million in damages.

 

After Rapp first brought his allegations to light, around 15 other people came forward with stories about inappropriate encounters with Spacey. This included several anonymous complaints from crew members of House of Cards. He will also be standing trial in the U.K. next year.