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Kevin Spacey: British police investigating second sexual assault allegation against actor

'The House of Cards' star faces abuse allegations from his time as artistic director of the Old Vic: Getty
'The House of Cards' star faces abuse allegations from his time as artistic director of the Old Vic: Getty

British police are investigating a second sexual assault allegation against Kevin Spacey.

The new allegation was reported last week, around the same time 20 people detailed “disturbing” complaints of inappropriate behaviour from the actor during his time as artistic director at London’s Old Vic.

The Independent understands the latest allegation dates back to 2005, the incident having taking place in Lambeth, London, where the Old Vic is located.

Police are already investigating one alleged incident involving a young man that also took place in Lambeth in 2008.

While the Metropolitan Police Service has not identified the victim, they are said to be an aspirational actor who sought advice from Kevin Spacey.

“On Wednesday, 1 November, City of London Police referred an allegation of sexual assault to the Metropolitan Police Service,” the Met said in a statement. “It is alleged a man assaulted another man (Victim 1) in 2008 in Lambeth.

“On Friday, 17 November a further allegation was made about the same man. The allegations are of sexual assaults against a man (Victim 2) in 2005 in Lambeth. Officers from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command are investigating.”

Spacey served as the Old Vic’s artistic director between 2004 and 2015. Last week, the theatre offered a statement saying they received no complaints during his tenure, adding: “Those affected felt unable to raise concerns and that Kevin Spacey operated without sufficient accountability.”

Matthew Warchus, the theatre’s current artistic director, offered “genuine and deep sympathy” to “all those who have come forward”.

“Everyone is entitled to work in an environment free from harassment and intimidation,” he said. “The Old Vic is now actively engaged in the process of healing and the process of prevention.

“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.”