Accused harasser Kevin Spacey releases video for people suffering in 2020

Spacey, who largely disappeared from public view since being accused of sexual misconduct, made the plea in a Christmas Eve video

Reuters

26 Dec, 2020

Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey on Thursday appealed to people who were struggling with shame or depression not to take their own lives.

Spacey, who has largely disappeared from public view since being accused of sexual misconduct three years ago, made the plea in a Christmas Eve video titled “1-800 Xmas” that he posted on YouTube.

Filming himself walking in a park, Spacey said a lot of people had reached out to him in 2020 to share their struggles and some had spoken about wanting to end their lives.

“If you’re suffering, if you need help, if you feel guilt or shame, if you’re struggling with your identity or your back’s up against the wall or if you feel there is no path for you. Whatever your situation, I promise you there is a path,” he said.

“During the holiday and beyond, even if you don’t feel it, there are people out there who understand and who can help. It does get better.”

The video ended with a board for the suicide prevention hotline.

Spacey, once one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, was dropped from House of Cards and removed from the movie All the Money in the World after he was accused in 2017 of sexual misconduct by more than 20 men.

Responding to the first accusation, Spacey said he could not remember the encounter actor Anthony Rapp described from 30 years ago but apologized for what he said “would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior.” He also came out as gay.

Prosecutors in Massachusetts in 2019 dropped criminal charges against Spacey of indecent assault and battery involving an 18-year-old man in a bar in 2016. Spacey had pleaded not guilty.

The star, who won a best actor Academy Award for “American Beauty” in 2000, released brief videos around Christmas in 2018 and 2019 in which he spoke cryptically about his own situation.

Comments

Chrís Dăn Dec 26, 2020 02:46pm

Very nice message.

Recommend

riz1 Dec 26, 2020 02:52pm

Such a talented actor, such waste of skills and smarts - anyone who has watched "Usual Suspects" or "K-Pax" or even "House of cards" know exactly what I mean. But No means No, a concept which most of us, especially rich or powerful, might fail to understand where we come from as exemplified by Sheikh Rashid's scandal just last week. Enough said.

Laila Dec 26, 2020 07:21pm

I use to like him because he is one of those stellar actors. But after the years accusations I can't say the same.

TruthMatters Dec 26, 2020 08:58pm

Whatever his past indiscretions, this was a powerful and timely message of hope and uplift from Mr. Spacey.

Igloo Dec 26, 2020 10:03pm

@Laila Stacey Hollywood generally has been flaunting its abusive mindset right up to the present time. Each time they make a movie pushing boundaries and glorifying abuse the world applauds, and they feel vindicated.

Wasif Altaf Dec 27, 2020 01:32am

@Laila What's the outcome?

Anonymouseee Dec 27, 2020 09:08am

One of the best actors and human beings in Hollywood.

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Dec 27, 2020 12:31pm

A feeble and frail attempt in futility to distract, divert and deflect attention from his past sexual misconduct, harassment as well as shameless, hopeless, ruthless, useless, gutless and gritless behavior and attitude.

Laila Dec 27, 2020 08:09pm

@Wasif Altaf if you read the article, that should answer your question. Otherwise you can Google it.

Laila Dec 27, 2020 08:14pm

@TruthMatters I am inclined to agreeing with you. This is a powerful message a me especially now at the end of the year. A time that can be difficult for many. I felt he was sincere.