ActorKevin Spaceyhas been found not liable for battery on allegations that he picked upStar Trek: DiscoveryactorAnthony Rappand laid on top of him in a bed following a 1986 party, CNN reports.
Rapp, who was 14 at the time, alleges that Spacey (then 26) invited him back to his Manhattan residence to watch television after a party. At the apartment, the actor claims, Spacey picked the boy up, laid him down on the bed, grabbed his buttocks, and pressed his groin into Rapp’s body—all without consent.
While Rapp originally pressed charges of sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, presiding Judge Lewis Kaplan dismissed the assault and emotional distress charges earlier in the trial.
Jury deliberation on the remaining battery charge began Thursday afternoon and lasted roughly an hour, ultimately concluding that Rapp did not prove that Spacey had “touched a sexual or intimate part” of Rapp.
Per CNN, Judge Kaplanformally dismissed the casefollowing the verdict.
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Spacey Still Awaiting Trial on Sexual Assault Charges in UK
Though Spacey may be in the clear in this case, the actor’s legal troubles aren’t over quite yet: Spaceyalso faces trial in the UKon charges of sexual assault and “causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent”—all stemming from incidents that allegedly occurred in the 8-year span that Spacey served as the artistic director of London’s Old Vic Theatre.
The disgracedHouse of Cardsactor pleaded not guilty to all five counts in the London Criminal Court earlier this year and will stand trial next summer.
In the meantime, Spacey wasgranted unconditional bail, allowing him to travel freely until the trial begins—but with a strict warning that any failure to appear in court will be considered a criminal offense.
Spacey, who maintains innocence in all allegations brought against him, released a statement agreeing to voluntarily appear in the UK as soon as possible.
“I very much appreciate the CPS’s statement in which they carefully reminded the media and the public that I am entitled to a fair trial, and innocent until proven otherwise,” the actor said in the statement toGood Morning America.
“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.”
