Kevin Spacey, the Oscar winning actor, has vowed to clear his name after appearing in court in London charged with sexually assaulting three men.
The 62-year-old Hollywood star attended Westminster Magistrates’ Court after returning to Britain from his home in the United States to face four counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.
The allegations relate to three men, now in their 30s and 40s, in London and Gloucestershire between 2005 and 2013, while Mr Spacey was artistic director of the Old Vic theatre in London.
Arriving at court flanked by security men and lawyers - including one from the United States - Mr Spacey entered the glass walled dock of Court One for the 30 minute hearing in front of the Deputy Chief Magistrate, Tan Ikran.
Wearing a blue suit, white shirt and blue spotted tie, he spoke only to confirm his full name as Kevin Spacey Fowler, his date of birth as 26 of July 1959 and his London address.
He sat alone during the hearing, listening intently and looking around the packed press benches and public gallery, as Natalie Dawson, prosecuting, set out the basics of the case and discussed bail options.
Patrick Gibbs QC, defending, told Mr Ikran that Mr Spacey had cooperated fully with the police investigation including four days of interviews in New York City.
Mr Gibbs told Mr Ikran: “Mr Spacey strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case.”
He also requested that the actor be allowed to return to the United States in order to work, attend auditions and look after his pet dog.
Mr Gibbs explained: “He lives in the United States. His family live in the United States. His nine-year-old dog is in the United States. He is an American citizen, who requires to be in the United States most of the time.”
He went on: “He has chosen to come to this court today. You can have every confidence that he will continue to attend all hearings.
Due to the gravity of the charges, Mr Ikran sent the case to Southwark Crown Court, where the next hearing will take place on July 14.
Mr Spacey was granted unconditional bail.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised charges against him last month, and the actor was formally charged earlier this week when he returned to the UK.
The two-time Oscar winner, who is known for starring roles in American Beauty, The Usual Suspects and House Of Cards, had previously said he would travel to the UK to face the charges.
In a statement released to Good Morning America after the CPS announcement, he said: "While I am disappointed with their decision to move forward, I will voluntarily appear in the UK as soon as can be arranged and defend myself against these charges, which I am confident will prove my innocence."
Following the hearing Mr Spacey left the court amid a media scrum, in a silver Mercedes vehicle.
