Kevin Spacey Foundation closes in wake of sexual harassment claims

The Kevin Spacey Foundation UK will close today in the wake of the sexual harassment allegations against the actor.

Trustees of the charity said the work of the organisation is “no longer viable”.

The foundation, which helped to identify and encourage young, emerging artists and give them training and resources in order to thrive in the acting industry, was set up in 2011 by Spacey.

A statement posted on its official website said: “The trustees have reached the conclu- sion that the work of the Kevin Spacey Foundation UK is no longer viable and as such the foundation will be closing on the 28 February 2018.

“The Trustees would like to thank all their partners, artists and organisations for the great work that has been done in association with the Foundation. The Trustees hope that the objects of the charity will be taken forward by other organisations.”

The foundation is reported to also have a branch in the US.

The Kevin Spacey Foundation UK was run by Steven Winter, who worked with Spacey at the Old Vic Theatre in London. The Oscar-winning actor is being investigated by Scotland Yard over three complaints of sexual assault and was one of the first Hollywood stars to face accusations after the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke. First to go public with allegations was actor Anthony Rapp who said he was 14 when Spacey, then 26, made a sexual advance to him in 1986. Spacey said he did not remember the encounter but apologised for any “inappropriate drunken behaviour”.

Spacey was replaced by Christopher Plummer in All The Money In The World after the allegations came to light.