Spacey was sat in a “windowed glass dock inside Courtroom 1 accompanied by dock officers”, as reported by Variety.
The first day of his London trial was focused only on the jury selection. The judge, Justice Wall, advised the juror that knowledge of Spacey or his films isn’t grounds for sitting this one out.
“I’m sure the defendant will be gratified to know that many of you know his name or have seen his films but that won’t disqualify you from sitting on this jury,” Wall told the jurors.
Actor Kevin Spacey arrives at Southwark Crown Court at on June 28, 2023 in London, England. The Oscar-winning US Actor is charged with 12 counts of sexually assaulting four men in the UK between 2005 and 2013. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
“You are the ones who are here to assess the evidence,” he told the jurors and advised them not to read about the case in the media or social media. “You decide what evidence is important.”
The trial will continue on Friday when the prosecution gives their opening statement.
Spacey is facing 12 sexual assault charges. A US court ruled last year that Spacey did not abuse actor Anthony Rapp, who was one of the first people to speak against Spacey. Rapp said the incident happened in 1986, but the court did not find evidence to support Rapp’s claim.
In the UK, Spacey’s charges include indecent assault, three offences of sexual assault and one offence of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. The alleged incidents are said to have taken place between 2005 and 2013 when Spacey was acting as the artistic director of The Old Vic Theatre in London.
Spacey has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
