Kevin Spacey Investigated By Old Vic Theater, 20 Accounts Of 'Inappropriate Behavior' Discovered
The Usual Suspects star is facing even more allegations of misconduct.
USA Today reports that London's The Old Vic theater began an investigation into actor Kevin Spacey, who'd previously served as the nonprofit theater's artistic director for over 10 years, and found 20 new accounts of "inappropriate behavior."
In a statement released on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, the theater's current artistic director, Matthew Warchus, said, "These allegations have been a shock and a disturbing surprise to many of us. It is incorrect, unfair and irresponsible to say that everybody knew. But as a result of the investigation, what we have learnt is how better to call out this behaviour in future."
"These findings will help not only The Old Vic but our industry as a whole, as together we rapidly evolve an intelligent new standard of protection and support in and around the workplace. We are committed to a new way forward," Warchus continued. "I have genuine and deep sympathy for all those who have come forward and said they were hurt in some way by my predecessor's actions. Everyone is entitled to work in an environment free from harassment and intimidation. The Old Vic is now actively engaged in the process of healing and the process of prevention."
As Nicki Swift previously reported, Spacey has been hit with dozens of sexual misconduct allegations since Star Trek actor Anthony Rapp came forward about a time Spacey allegedly tried to "seduce" him as teenager. Spacey, who publicly came out as gay in response to Rapp's claims, has since been condemned by Hollywood, having been removed from several projects like House of Cards and All the Money in the World.
After accusations against Spacey began to mount, The Old Vic theater encouraged people to share any complaints that they'd previously felt unable to raise. The theater discovered allegations stretching from 1995 to 2013. However, the theater noted that "no legal claims, formal grievances, formal disputes, settlement agreements or payments made or authorised were made at all in relation to Kevin Spacey during his tenure" (via USA Today).
The Old Vic found that Spacey's "stardom and status" may have discourage people from making any accusations against him. "Staff who observed this behaviour claimed they were unclear about how to respond," a statement from the theater read, "in some cases they did not consider allegations of misconduct to be serious and, where they clearly did, they said they did not feel confident that The Old Vic would take those allegations seriously given who he was."
While we wait for more details to come out about Spacey, learn how celebrities have reacted to the actor's scandal.