'House of Cards' star Kevin Spacey found not guilty of sexual assault

On July 26, local time, after nearly four weeks of trial, the Southwark Royal Court in London, England, declared Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey not guilty of all nine counts of sexual assault.

The 64-year-old House of Cards actor

According to the BBC, Spacey was found not guilty of seven counts of sexual assault and two counts of soliciting sexual acts without consent.

Prosecutors said the four plaintiffs felt "belittled, degraded and worthless" during the incidents, which took place between 2001 and 2013.

Spacey's legal team argued that the plaintiffs made the allegations "for reasons that are ultimately known only to them" and that Spacey (American Beauty, House of Cards) was "being tried by social media."

Defense attorney Patrick Gibbs told the jury: "It is not a crime to enjoy sex, even if you are a celebrity. It is not a crime to engage in sex, even if you are a celebrity. It is not a crime to engage in casual sex. And because it is 2023 and not 1823, it is not a crime to engage in sex with someone of the same sex."

Spacey was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault in May 2022 but vowed to clear his name, and he cried in the dock when the not guilty verdict was announced.

Spacey was accused of 12 sexual crimes, including sexual harassment and assault, against four men aged between 20 and 30 between 2001 and 2013. Kevin Spacey was actually fired from Hollywood because of the "MeToo" accusation. He said: "I lost my job and reputation before I was asked any questions. Except for some brave and kind filmmakers, no one gave me a job."