Three weeks after the initial allegations surfaced, the Old Vic Theater has now issued a statement confirming 20 personal testimonies of alleged inappropriate behavior by Kevin Spacey.
Spacey had served as artistic director of the Old Vic between the years of 2004 and 2015, during which time his alleged victims “felt unable to raise concerns,” because he “operated without sufficient accountability.” In light of these damning claims, the prestigious London theater has issued an apology for not maintaining a safe and sustainable work environment, while Spacey’s legal representatives are yet to fire back with any form of response.
Meanwhile, Matthew Warchus, the current artistic director presiding over the Old Vic, had this to say on the matter:
I have genuine and deep sympathy for all those who have come forward and said they were hurt in some way by my predecessor’s actions. Everyone is entitled to work in an environment free from harassment and intimidation. 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.
Warchus’ official, defiant statement continues as so:
But as a result of the investigation, what we have learnt is how better to call out this behaviour in future. These findings will help not only The Old Vic but our industry as a whole, as together we rapidly evolve an intelligent new standard of protection and support in and around the workplace. We are committed to a new way forward.
Kevin Spacey’s career has been left in tatters by the allegations, and that’s despite the optimism of Bryan Cranston. Online giant Netflix has ceased production of House of Cards for the foreseeable future, while Spacey has also been cut from All the Money in the World. Ridley Scott’s true-life kidnapping drama had already completed principal photography at the time of Anthony Rapp’s accusations, but that didn’t prevent Scott from recruiting Christopher Plummer in the role of late oil tycoon, John Paul Getty. The film is still scheduled to arrive late next month.
As for Kevin Spacey, he’s said to be “taking the time necessary to seek evaluation and treatment,” and was recently spotted at an Arizona rehab center.
