US star rejects groping claims
HOLLYWOOD’S widening sexual harassment crisis brought forth a second actor’s allegation against Kevin Spacey yesterday, halted production on his Netflix series House of Cards and prompted CBS to check into an actress’ claim she was groped by Jeremy Piven.
Mexican actor Robert Cavazos wrote on Facebook he encountered Spacey at the bar of London’s Old Vic Theatre, where Spacey was artistic director, and the actor tried to fondle him against his will. Cavazos wrote: “I didn’t stand for it, but I know some people who were afraid to stop it.”
Cavazos declined an interview request. There was no immediate reply from representatives for Spacey.
CBS said it is “looking into” a claim by actress and reality star Ariane Bellamar that Emmy-winning Entourage star Piven groped her on two occasions.
On Twitter, Bellamar alleged one encounter took place in Piven’s trailer on HBO’s Entourage set and the other at the Playboy Mansion.
Piven, who stars in the new CBS series Wisdom of the Crowd, said he “unequivocally” denied the “appalling allegations being peddled about me”.