Kevin Spacey Is Cleared of Anthony Rapp’s Battery Claim
“I feel like everyone in Hollywood has paid a price. But I have paid the biggest price of all: I should have been stronger.”
In his first interview since his suicide attempt in May, Anthony Rapp, who claims he was molested by Hollywood executive Kevin Spacey five decades ago, has told ABC News that he believes Spacey’s claim that he consented to a sexual relationship with him, and that it’s “almost like my rapist wanted me dead.”
Rapp’s father, Michael Rapp, says he found the claims from Spacey, who denies them, to be “exceedingly disturbing, especially considering that it involved my 20-year-old son.”
The news was confirmed by two people with experience investigating and testifying in sexual abuse cases, as well as an attorney for Spacey.
Spacey’s attorney, Ben Brafman, said Tuesday that the allegations against Spacey would be proven false. “The truth about Mr. Spacey’s conduct at any time in his life is in his control and will be discussed at a time and place of Mr. Spacey’s choosing,” he said.
Spacey was arrested Monday and charged with felony sexual assault and making a false statement to police after investigators say he failed to respond to their requests for a DNA sample in their investigation of the allegations. A third party was also charged in connection with the alleged assault; the third party’s lawyer said Tuesday his client had passed a polygraph examination.
A New York Times report from Monday alleged that Spacey made a false statement to police, and the defense could further dispute the allegations in their interviews with the Times. Spacey’s spokesman, Kevin Mayer, confirmed Tuesday that the defense team would respond.
A GoFundMe page to help pay for Rapp’s legal fees says the actor had a private trial with Spacey at the end of July and said it was a “horrifying experience,” but that Spacey was cleared after it was determined that he was not in the room while the alleged incident happened.
The GoFundMe page read, “I am writing this in hope that Kevin Spacey will be convicted and serve his sentence without any of the sexual abuse allegations being used against him.”
Spacey took a leave of absence following the accusations, and he has not