The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Actor: 20 new ‘victims’ come forward
The Old Vic says 20 people have claimed they were victims of “inappropriate behaviour” by Kevin Spacey, its former artistic director.
The London theatre has investigated allegations concerning the actor, who was in the role between 2004 and 2015.
“Despite having the appropriate escalation processes in place, it was claimed that those affected felt unable to raise concerns and that Kevin Spacey operated without sufficient accountability,” said a theatre statement.
“This is clearly unacceptable and the Old Vic truly apologises for not creating an environment or culture where people felt able to speak freely.”
The theatre engaged lawyers to investigate claims against Spacey, and has concluded that, with the exception of one, none of the reported incidents was
“To all those who felt unable to speak up, we truly apologise”
raised formally or informally with management
None of the Old Vic’s trustees were aware of the allegations, they have said. Old Vic chairman Nick Clarry added: “On behalf of the Old Vic board of trustees, to all those people who felt unable to speak up at the time, the Old Vic truly apologises.
“Inappropriate behaviour by anyone working at the Old Vic is completely unacceptable. We will foster a safe and supportive environment without prejudice, harassment or bullying of any sort, at any level.”
Allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Spacey emerged last month in the US, and more men have now come forward with allegations against the actor, who is being investigated by police in the UK over an alleged sexual assault in south London in 2008.