Kevin Spacey: London’s Old Vic theatre announces 20 people have come forward with allegations against actor

LONDON’S Old Vic theatre has said 20 people have claimed they were victims of “inappropriate behaviour” by Kevin Spacey.

Spacey, formerly artistic director of the theatre, already faces police investigations in the UK over accusations of assualt and harassment.

The Old Vic said it had received the claims over the Hollywood actor’s alleged conduct during an 18-year period between 1995 and 2013. Most of the claims are from before 2009.

In the conclusions to the investigation, released today, it was said that “despite having the appropriate escalation processes in place, it was claimed that those affected felt unable to raise concerns and that Kevin Spacey operated without sufficient accountability.”

It is also noted that no correspondents alleged they were minors at the time that their complaint arose, and none of the trustees were aware of the allegations.

‘Everyone is entitled to work in an environment free from harassment and intimidation.' Today we commit to a new way forward following the results of our investigation: https://t.co/SvgVs6Bv5v

— The Old Vic (@oldvictheatre) November 16, 2017

The theatre has committed itself to ensuring a safe and secure working environment for all who work there.

Nick Clarry, Chairman of The Old Vic, said:  “On behalf of The Old Vic Board of Trustees, to all those people who felt unable to speak up at the time, The Old Vic truly apologises. Inappropriate behaviour by anyone working at The Old Vic is completely unacceptable.

“We will foster a safe and supportive environment without prejudice, harassment or bullying of any sort, at any level. We want anyone who works here to feel confident, valued and proud to be part of The Old Vic family.”

Current Artistic Director Matthew Warchus said: “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.

“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.”

He added: “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.”

Award-winning actor Spacey was last month accused of making inappropriate sexual advances towards actor Anthony Rapp when Rapp was 14.

He came under fire for his response, in which he said he did not remember the encounter and apologised, while also coming out as gay.

In the wake of the accusation, several other reports of the American Beauty and The Usual Suspects star’s behaviour became public.

Filming of Netflix’s House of Cards, in which Spacey is the lead star, was suspended and the streaming company severed ties with the actor.

It emerged that staff working on the political drama had also made allegations against him.

Spacey was removed completely from Ridley Scott’s film All the Money in the World, with Christopher Plummer replacing him in reshoots.

At the beginning of the month, Spacey said he was seeking ‘evaluation and treatment’ for his behaviour.