Twenty people make sex allegations against actor Spacey

THE OLD Vic has said 20 people have claimed they were victims of “inappropriate behaviour” by Kevin Spacey, its former artistic director.

The London theatre released the conclusion following its investigation into allegations concerning the actor, who was in the role between 2004 and 2015, and has apologised.

It said in a statement: “Despite having the appropriate escalation processes in place, it was claimed that those affected felt unable to raise concerns and that Kevin Spacey operated without sufficient accountability.

“This is clearly unacceptable and The Old Vic truly apologises for not creating an environment or culture where people felt able to speak freely.”

The theatre engaged an external law firm to investigate claims made against Spacey, and has concluded that, with the exception of one of the claims, none of the reported incidents was raised either formally or informally with management

None of The Old Vic’s trustees were aware of the allegations, they have said.

Spacey has not yet commented on the allegations, and The Old Vic has said it has not been possible to verify the claims. The theatre said having Spacey as its artistic director put it in a “unique position”, and that the “cult of personality” surrounding his role may have prevented people, particularly junior staff or young actors, “from feeling they would speak up or raise a hand for help”.

The Old Vic chairman Nick Clarry said: “On behalf of The Old Vic Board of Trustees, to all those people who felt unable to speak up at the time, The Old Vic truly apologises.

“Inappropriate behaviour by anyone working at The Old Vic is completely unacceptable. We will foster a safe and supportive environment without prejudice, harassment or bullying of any sort, at any level.

“We want anyone who works here to feel confident, valued and proud to be part of The Old Vic family.”

Matthew Warchus, The Old Vic’s artistic director, said he had “genuine and deep sympathy” for those who have come forward, who said they were “hurt in some way” by his predecessor’s actions.

Allegations against Spacey emerged last month when actor Anthony Rapp claimed Spacey had placed him on a bed and climbed on top of him following a party at his apartment in 1986.

Others have also come forward with various allegations against the actor.