Kevin Spacey trial: Oscar winner 'humbled' by jury's acquittal on nine sexual assault charges
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Kevin Spacey has been acquitted of sexual assault after the Oscar-winning actor's testimony as witness in his own defense gave him a chance to avoid possible prison sentence and return to his career. Tears rolled down Spacey's cheeks as his final verdict of not guilty was read on Wednesday, his 64th birthday. He gave a short speech outside courthouse, thanking jury, legal team and court staff. READ Suspicious human remains found in search for Tasmanian teenager “I guess most of you understand that after what happened today, I have a lot to process for me,” he said, emotion evident in his voice. Spacey's far-reaching testimony culminated in 2017 as he suffocated as he spoke being out of work for six years after allegations sexual abuse against him surfaced during the #MeToo movement in the United States. Three men accused the Oscar-winning actress of holding her groin aggressively. The fourth, an aspiring actor seeking mentorship, said he went to Spacey's London flat for a beer and woke up to the actor giving him oral sex after he fell asleep or passed out. Spacey said she's "big flirt" who engages in consensual bickering with men, whose only fault is to touch a man's groin while making "clumsy pass". All men said contact was undesirable, but Spacey testified that the young actor and another man willingly participated in consensual acts. Kevin Spacey returns after a lunch break at Southwark Crown Court as the jury debates. He said it was "pure fantasy" that third man claimed to be occupying his private parts like a striking "cobra" in the backstage of theatre. She said doesn't remember fourth incident at small party house she rented in the country, but admitted that man met one night of heavy drinking bar touched her groin. Spacey said he misunderstood the man's interest in her and likely made an awkward transition. Defense attorney Patrick Gibbs said three of the men were liars and that events were "redesigned with an sinister turn". He accused most of riding on a grievance "many" in hopes of getting rich. Prosecutor Christine Agnew told jurors that Spacey was a "sexual bully" who got what he wanted, when he wanted. READ Childcare workers in Central Queensland who left toddler on bus break out of jail Court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of actor Kevin Spacey sitting on the pier listening to Christine Agnew KC, right, at Southwark Crown Court, London, Friday, June 30, 2023. He said was protected by a "triple guard" he knew men were less likely to complain; even if complained, they would not be believed; and if complained, no action would be taken because was powerful. The charges span from 2001 to 2013 and include period when Spacey returned to his first love, the theater - after winning Academy Awards for The Usual Suspects and American Beauty. For most of that period he was artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre in London. The men came to the fore after an American actor accused Spacey of sexual harassment in 2017 as the #MeToo movement es