【Spacey Unmasked】Now True Explores the Fall of a Hollywood Legend Amidst the #MeToo Storm.
by P.Siu
“Crisis Negotiators”《談判專家》, a Hong Kong movie which is adapted from a Hollywood movie “The Negotiator”in 1998. Viewers will compare Lau Ching-wan and Ng Chun-yu to Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey from the original film. However, in reality, Spacey has been entangled in sexual assault lawsuits for years since the #MeToo movement began. This includes being removed from his starring role in the popular TV series “House of Cards” and being sued by the production company for breach of contract, demanding over USD 30 million in damages. The reality of Spacey’s situation is far more dramatic than any film.
The sexual assault cases spanned six years, and the jury acquitted Kevin Spacey on all nine counts last year. He broke down in tears in court upon hearing the verdict. While the case appears closed, the allegations continue to reverberate. Now True’s exclusive documentary, “Spacey Unmasked”, features individuals who worked with Spacey, who speak out for the first time about their painful experiences of being sexually assaulted by him. This allows audiences to reassess the Hollywood star in a new light.
Kevin Spacey’s shocking Hollywood sexual assault case ultimately ended
with the jury finding him not guilty.
“I can do this to you, I’m Kevin Spacey.”
Hall of Fame actor Kevin Spacey has long been respected, with numerous iconic works that remain etched in people’s memories, including “Se7en” (1995), “The Usual Suspects” (1995), “American Beauty” (1999), and the 2010s hit “House of Cards”. He has also received prestigious awards like the Academy Award for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. “Spacey Unmasked” features several individuals who recount being assaulted by the very Kevin Spacey they admired. “I can do this to you, I’m Kevin Spacey.” The numerous accolades seemed to have created an invisible halo around Spacey, allowing him to believe he could do whatever he wanted. Was it due to his widespread respect that he rose to prominence, only to be subsequently condemned? Was it simply because he was Kevin Spacey?
Interviewees in “Spacey Unmasked” share their experiences of being assaulted by the
Kevin Spacey they respected, giving rise to the notion of “I can do this to you, I’m Kevin Spacey.
“The message to Kevin has to be, it’s over, you know, it’s over for you.”
The Kevin Spacey sexual assault case sent shockwaves through Hollywood. While he was ultimately acquitted, the verdict coincided with his 64th birthday. He broke down in tears in court. Though the court’s decision was final, the accusers’ allegations against Kevin did not end there. During the programme interviews, some became visibly emotional and shed tears, and viewers could sense their lingering trauma through the screen. Instead of anger, the interviewees primarily expressed self-blame and remorse, with some even developing drug addictions as a result. One interviewee directly stated, “it’s over, you (Kevin Spacey) know, it’s over for you.”
In the programme “Spacey Unmasked”, the accusers’ allegations against Kevin Spacey
didn’t conclude with the verdict, and they expressed their desire to let Spacey know that he’s finished.
Kevin Spacey has not responded to these allegations. Only the individuals involved know the truth of the situation. Prior to the sexual assault scandal, Spacey was at the peak of his career, brimming with confidence about his future. After several years of hardship, Spacey has experienced a dramatic fall from grace. However, in recent interviews, he has stated that he is ready to return to acting. Whether he can regain the same confidence to rebuild his career, and even achieve another career peak, remains to be seen.
“Spacey Unmasked” is exclusively available on Now TV.
