A jury of five men and six women found Kevin Spacey not liable in a sex abuse lawsuit filed against him in 2020 by actor Anthony Rapp, NBC News reported Thursday.
The jury deliberated for less than 90 minutes in a downtown Manhattan courtroom before reaching its verdict, according to NBC News. Rapp claimed Spacey climbed onto him at a party in New York City in 1986 when he was 14 years old and Spacey was 26. Rapp referenced the alleged incident as “the most traumatic single event” he had experienced in his life, the outlet reported.
Spacey, 63, has maintained his innocence in the case, denying the accusations brought against him. His lawyers alleged Rapp “created a story” because he, Rapp, was envious of Spacey’s success as an actor, according to NBC News.
BREAKING: Jury says Kevin Spacey not liable in civil sex abuse trial pic.twitter.com/kaqdW1wVKL
— Reuters Legal (@ReutersLegal) October 20, 2022
“Anthony told his truth in court. While we respect the jury’s verdict, nothing changes that,” Richard Steigman, Rapp’s attorney, said in a statement, NBC News reported.
“I’m very grateful to the jury for seeing through these false allegations,” Spacey’s attorney Jennifer Keller said following the verdict, according to the outlet.
Spacey reportedly hugged one of his lawyers upon hearing the verdict, and remained silent when he left the courthouse. He didn’t stop to address the media or answer any questions, according to NBC News.(RELATED: Tina Fey Claims Kevin Spacey Previously Hit On Her)
Breaking news: A New York jury on Thursday found Kevin Spacey not liable in a sexual assault and battery case brought forward by actor Anthony Rapp, according to the Associated Press. https://t.co/J8VqR5JljP
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) October 20, 2022
Rapp appeared emotional during the trial and described the alleged encounter with Spacey as “incredibly frightening and very alarming,” according to NBC News.
“I didn’t ask for him to do that,” Rapp reportedly said when addressing the jury about the alleged incident involving Spacey. “I didn’t want him to do that.”
Rapp originally filed the 2020 lawsuit against Spacey based on claims of assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress, according to the outlet.