The Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey has appeared in a London court by video link facing seven sexual offence charges.
In a short hearing at Westminster magistrates court in London, the 63-year-old US actor appeared by video link from the Middle East and spoke only to confirm his name – Kevin Spacey Fowler – date of birth and address.
The charges against Spacey include three of indecent assault, three of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. The Crown Prosecution Service said the charges from a new complainant are alleged to have occurred between 2001 and 2004.
The chief magistrate, Paul Goldspring, said the new charges were “related offences to that which is already before the court”, referring to previous charges on which the actor is due to stand trial next year.
Spacey previously appeared at the Old Bailey in London in July and pleaded not guilty to five allegations relating to three other men who are now in their 30s and 40s.
A judge set a trial of three to four weeks for the former artistic director of the Old Vic theatre in London, beginning on 6 June next year. The new charges take the total against the Oscar and Tony Award-winning actor to 12.
During a hearing at Westminster magistrates court earlier this year, Spacey’s lawyer, Patrick Gibbs KC, said his client “strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case”.
The actor was granted unconditional bail and is next due to appear at Southwark crown court on 13 January.
Speaking to Spacey who appeared on video in a suit jacket and tie, Goldspring said while there were no restrictions on the actor’s liberties, he was obliged to attend court personally in January. Gibbs confirmed the actor would be attending the hearing in person.
Spacey is known for his roles in the Netflix series House of Cards and films including The Usual Suspects and American Beauty.
