Anthony Rapp responds to the dismissal of court regarding the sexual abuse lawsuit against Kevin Spacey. The Star Trek and Broadway actor sought $40 million in damages after the alleged abuser, a then 26-year-old Spacey, initiated an unwanted sexual move toward him when he was only 14.
The actor shared his sentiment on social media following the New York jury’s dismissal of the case, favoring Spacey and finding no fault of abuse on the latter’s party. The civil court handed down their verdict only less than an hour after deciding Rapp could not prove the allegations.
What Happened Between Anthony Rapp And Kevin Spacey In 1986
In a report from AP News, Rapp testified in court that the sexual abuse happened during a party in Spacey’s Manhattan apartment back in 1986. The latter invited him and approached the then 14-year-old Rapp in a bedroom. Spacey allegedly picked him up and laid on top of him on the bed.
Anthony Rapp made the allegations in 2017 following the rise of the #MeToo movement and was encouraged to speak up about his own encounter after seeing people voice out their stories.
Upon the verdict’s announcement, relief washed over Spacey’s face as he hugged the lawyers before leaving the courtroom. In a tearful testimony, the House of Cards actor insisted the abuse never happened, and he would never be attracted to someone of fourteen years of age.
Jennifer Keller, Spacey’s lawyer, said that Rapp invented the story and suggested that he imagined it based on a play he was part of where actor Ed Harris picks up Rapp and lies on top of him. The lawyer also told the jury that Rapp became jealous of Spacey’s success.
RELATED: House of Cards Actor Kevin Spacey Charged With Sexual Assault
Rapp Earns Sympathy From Fans And Co-Actors
Rapp seemed to have accepted the decision and held no grudges toward anyone. The actor posted on his Twitter account:
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have my case heard before a jury, and I thank the members of the jury for their service. Bringing this lawsuit was always about shining a light, as part of the larger movement to stand up against all forms of sexual violence. I pledge to keep on advocating for efforts to ensure that we can live and work in a world that is free from sexual violence of any kind. I sincerely hope that survivors continue to tell their stories and fight for accountability.”
The Broadway star’s statement elicited a number of support from fans and fellow actors. Star Trek voice actor Bonnie Gordon said in his Twitter post:
“Your bravery will inspire so many to come forward with their own stories. Thank you for being such a voice of good and strength in this world.”
Another Star Trek fan and Forbes reporter, Dawn Ennis, also shared her story and support for Rapp.
“As a fellow victim of teenage sexual abuse by an older man back when I was 13, I’m so grateful that you stood up and did the right thing. I’m sad and angry that his lawyers put you through so much pain, all over again. I believe you, and hope you are surrounded by love.”
As the three-week trial comes to a close with a unanimous decision, the court concludes that Kevin Spacey did not molest Anthony Rapp.
RELATED: Actors Who Were Publicly Shamed Out of Big Budget Projects Following Insane Controversies
