Kevin Spacey's sexual misconduct criminal case dropped
Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct allegations that some readers may find upsetting.
A sexual misconduct case against actor Kevin Spacey has been dropped.
Prosecutors have been dealing with a case involving an incident where Spacey allegedly groped an 18-year-old during an encounter at a Nantucket, Massachusetts bar in 2016.
The reason that case has been dropped, however, was "unavailability of the complaining witness".
Complications arose in the case over the issue of possibly deleted or altered evidence on a mobile phone relevant to the case. The accuser asserted his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination on the stand.
"The complaining witness was informed that if he chose to continue to invoke his Fifth Amendment right, the case would not be able to go forward," according to a statement issued by the prosecutors.
"After a further period of reflection privately with his lawyer, the complaining witness elected not to waive his right under the Fifth Amendment."
Less than two weeks ago, the young man dropped his civil lawsuit against the actor voluntarily.
This Nantucket case was one of several criminal investigations into Spacey's conduct in the US and the UK after actor Anthony Rapp made claims against him in 2017, but it is the first to lead to criminal charges.
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct. If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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