Inside the historic British theatre at the heart of the Kevin Spacey sex claims

26 July 2023 , 18:57

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Kevin Spacey has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting four men (Image: Getty Images)

It was today announced that Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey has been cleared of multiple sex assault charges.

Back in 2003 he was appointed as the artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre Company, with him serving as the artistic director until 2015, which came before the sexual misconduct allegations spiralled around both the actor and the theater.

The Old Vic is a 1,000-seat, not-for-profit theatre which is based in the heart of London. Situated in Waterloo, the theater was established in 1818 and was originally named the Royal Coburg Theatre before having its name changed a number of time.

The iconic building was then renamed in 1833 as the Royal Victoria Theatre before being renamed yet again as Royal Victoria Palace. By 1880 when it was renamed yet again as Royal Victoria Hall, it was widely known as the Old Vic.

The Old Vic was established in the 1800s (AFP/Getty Images)

Two years on from stepping down as its artistic director in November 2017, a series of rape and sexual misconduct allegations against Kevin emerged, with 20 people contacting the Old Vic with claims that he had sexually harassed and/or assaulted them at the theatre during his tenure as artistic director.

Kevin Spacey denies seven sex offences as he appears in court via video link

Amid the scandal, the British theater - which is based in London - released a statement that addressed the claims. They said that they were sorry for "not creating an environment or culture where people felt able to speak freely", and announced a "commitment to a new way forward" - which they later demonstrated with a programme for staff to obtain support.

The theatre is based in Waterloo, London (Getty Images)

At the time they added: "These allegations have been a shock and a disturbing surprise to many of us. It is incorrect, unfair and irresponsible to say that everybody knew. But as a result of the investigation, what we have learnt is how better to call out this behaviour in future."

And then in 2018 they announced that they had created the Guardians Programme. At the time, Kate Varah, the executive director, said: "We devised the Guardians Programme in dialogue with our staff to enshrine our values and workplace culture. It grew out of our desire to help reassure people they have a voice.

"We want everyone to have a way to share their concerns with someone outside of the ‘regular’ reporting line. Our Guardians actively listen and support, offering confidential advice on options, with discretion and empathy.

Kevin was the artistic director of the theatre until 2015 (Getty Images)

"It is incredible to see the commitment in both the arts and other sectors in embracing a solution that helps reframe how our workforces share concerns, escalate issues, and enjoy working together respectfully."

And today (July 26), Kevin spoke outside Southwark Crown Court in London, and said that he was “humbled” by a jury’s decision to clear him of nine sex offences.

The two-time Academy Award winner sobbed in the dock as not guilty verdicts were read out to nine charges involving four younger men.

Jurors at Southwark Crown Court in London, England took 12 hours and 26 minutes to clear the House of Cards star following a four week trial. After he was cleared he hugged his legal team.

Mollie Quirk