What Happened to Kevin Spacey Fowler?
Kevin Spacey's career was significantly impacted by numerous allegations of sexual misconduct that emerged in 2017. While he was acquitted in a 2022 U.S. civil lawsuit and a 2023 U.K. criminal trial, he continues to face new civil claims in the U.K. with a trial set for October 2026, even as he attempts a career resurgence with new film and television projects.
Quick Answer
Kevin Spacey's career faced a dramatic downturn following sexual misconduct allegations in 2017, leading to his removal from major projects like 'House of Cards'. Despite being found not liable in a 2022 U.S. civil suit and acquitted of criminal charges in the U.K. in 2023, he is currently battling new civil lawsuits in London, with a trial provisionally scheduled for October 2026. Concurrently, Spacey has been taking on roles in smaller European productions and recently premiered a new film he directed and starred in in Dubai, signaling efforts to rebuild his career.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Anthony Rapp Allegation
Actor Anthony Rapp alleges that Kevin Spacey made a sexual advance toward him at a party when Rapp was 14 years old.
Allegations Go Public, Spacey Apologizes
Anthony Rapp's allegations are published by BuzzFeed. Spacey issues an apology on Twitter, stating he doesn't recall the event and publicly comes out as gay.
Netflix Cuts Ties with Spacey
Netflix announces that the sixth season of 'House of Cards' will be its last, and production is suspended the following day.
Removed from 'All the Money in the World'
Director Ridley Scott announces that Kevin Spacey's scenes in 'All the Money in the World' will be reshot with Christopher Plummer replacing him.
U.S. Civil Lawsuit Acquittal
A jury in a Manhattan federal court finds Kevin Spacey not liable in Anthony Rapp's civil sexual abuse lawsuit.
U.K. Criminal Trial Acquittal
A London jury acquits Kevin Spacey of nine sexual offense charges brought by four men, dating from 2001 to 2013.
Return to Film and Industry Support
Spacey stars in the films 'Peter Five Eight' and 'The Contract'. He also receives support from actors like Liam Neeson and Sharon Stone and is honored with a lifetime achievement award in Italy.
Award at Cannes and New Film Announcement
Kevin Spacey receives the Award for Excellence in Film and Television at the Better World Gala in Cannes, and his role in the conspiracy thriller 'The Awakening' is announced.
Cabaret Show and 'Homeless' Clarification
Spacey performs a cabaret show in Cyprus and clarifies earlier reports of being 'homeless,' stating he is living in hotels and Airbnbs while working.
New U.K. Civil Lawsuits Announced
It is revealed that Kevin Spacey will face new civil claims of sexual assault from three British men, with a provisional trial date set for October 2026.
Stars in Italian TV Series 'Minimarket'
Spacey stars in the Italian comedy television series 'Minimarket', which premieres on the streaming portal RaiPlay.
'Holiguards Saga' Premieres in Dubai
Kevin Spacey directs and stars in 'Holiguards Saga – The Portal of Force', which premieres in Dubai, marking his continued efforts in filmmaking.
Key Witness in MRC Trial
Spacey becomes a key witness in the Media Rights Capital trial regarding losses from 'House of Cards', with his arbitration award reduced to $1 million in exchange for cooperation.
U.K. Civil Trial Date
A provisional trial date is set for October 12, 2026, for the three new civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault against Kevin Spacey in London's High Court.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Kevin Spacey's once-illustrious career as an Academy Award-winning actor and artistic director of London's Old Vic Theatre was irrevocably altered in October 2017 when actor Anthony Rapp publicly accused Spacey of making a sexual advance toward him in 1986, when Rapp was 14 years old. This initial allegation triggered a cascade of similar claims from over a dozen other individuals, including former 'House of Cards' crew members and others associated with the Old Vic. The immediate consequences were severe: Netflix severed ties with Spacey, halting production on 'House of Cards' and shelving a planned biopic, while his completed role in Ridley Scott's film 'All the Money in the World' was reshot with Christopher Plummer.
Spacey consistently denied the allegations, leading to a series of high-profile legal battles. In October 2022, a New York jury found him not liable in Anthony Rapp's $40 million civil sexual misconduct lawsuit. This was followed by a significant victory in July 2023, when a London jury acquitted Spacey of nine sexual offense charges brought by four men, which dated back to his tenure at the Old Vic. Spacey expressed gratitude for the outcome, hoping it would pave the way for a career comeback.
Despite these acquittals, the legal challenges persist. As of late 2025, Spacey was confirmed to face new civil claims of sexual assault from three British men, with a provisional trial date set for October 12, 2026, in London's High Court. These allegations span incidents between 2000 and 2013, with two of the claimants having been involved in the earlier criminal proceedings. Spacey has denied these new civil allegations.
Professionally, Spacey has been attempting to rebuild his career, primarily through smaller, independent European productions. In 2024, he starred in films like 'Peter Five Eight' and 'The Contract'. He received a lifetime achievement award in Italy in 2024 and an Award for Excellence in Film and Television at the Cannes Better World Gala in May 2025. In November 2025, he performed a cabaret show in Cyprus and clarified earlier reports of being 'homeless,' stating he was living in hotels and Airbnbs while working. December 2025 saw him starring in the Italian comedy television series 'Minimarket' on RaiPlay. Most recently, on February 22, 2026, Spacey premiered 'Holiguards Saga – The Portal of Force' in Dubai, a project he directed and starred in, signaling his continued efforts to return to filmmaking. Furthermore, in February 2026, he became a key witness in a Media Rights Capital trial concerning 'House of Cards' losses, with his arbitration award reduced to $1 million in exchange for his cooperation.