The prosecution has opened its case within the Kevin Spacey trial with claims the actor was a "sexual bully" who "delights in making others feel powerless and uncomfortable", and whose "preferred method of assault" was to "grab" different males "aggressively in the crotch".
Spacey is in court docket within the UK on 12 expenses - together with three of indecent assault and 7 of sexual assault - in relation to 4 males.
Read more: Kevin Spacey trial - as it happened
In a brief session lasting simply an hour-and-a-half, prosecutor Christine Agnew described the allegations of 4 males who declare to have been sexually assaulted by the actor.
The 63-year-old star - who was current in court docket - was described by Ms Agnew as "a famous actor who has won a number of awards," and by considered one of his alleged victims as "a star, a golden boy".
The two-time Oscar winner is thought for roles in productions corresponding to House of Cards, American Beauty and The Usual Suspects.
The relevance of Spacey's fame was flagged early on, with the prosecution warning the jury to not grow to be "star struck" or "overwhelmed," whereas the defence stated the trial would supply "insights into both sides of fame", together with "the way people act towards you" if you find yourself well-known.
The court docket additionally heard from the statements of the 4 victims - none of whom are identified to 1 one other in keeping with the prosecution - and who will stay nameless in protection of the case.
Ms Agnew stated: "None of the boys needed to be touched by Kevin Spacey Fowler in a sexual method, however he does not appear to have cared very a lot for his or her emotions.
"He did what he wanted to do for his own personal sexual gratification."
'Getting offended merely turned him on'
The first alleged sufferer, who labored with Spacey within the early 2000s in London, stated the actor touched him inappropriately on quite a few events and at one level "grabbed him so hard" whereas he was driving that he almost drove off the street.
He stated he requested Spacey on quite a few events to not contact him, however added Spacey laughed at his request, and he believed "his getting angry simply turned him on".
He stated Spacey appeared "confident" he would not inform anybody concerning the alleged assaults.
The alleged sufferer added he thinks that would have been because of his fame as a "worldwide star," or probably contemplating he can be "too embarrassed, too ashamed" to make a grievance.
The second alleged sufferer, who met Spacey at a charity occasion in London in 2005, stated Spacey made many inappropriate feedback and stated sexual issues to him out of the earshot of others, earlier than allegedly grabbing his penis with "such force it was painful".
The alleged sufferer stated he advised a buddy about it round per week later, however advised nobody else.
Claims of undesirable intercourse act, advances and groping
The third alleged sufferer, who stated he efficiently auditioned for a present being placed on on the Old Vic Theatre and later approached Spacey as a mentor, described going for a drink at his flat.
He stated he woke as much as discover Spacey allegedly finishing up an undesirable act of oral intercourse.
He stated Spacey advised him to not point out what had occurred or that he had been to his flat, and added he left in shock, later crying at a bus cease.
The fourth alleged sufferer, who met Spacey in a village pub in late 2017 when the actor got here in along with his canine, stated that after inviting him and a buddy again to the costly home during which he was staying, Spacey kissed his neck and grabbed his crotch.
He stated he left the home in "a panicky state" and known as his father to inform him what had occurred.
The males had been all of their 20s to early 30s when the alleged assaults befell and all of the alleged incidents are stated to have occurred between 2001 and 2013 - a time when Spacey was working and residing primarily within the UK.
Prosecution: Spacey 'took what and who he needed'
The prosecution stated Spacey would declare among the allegations had been "made up" and that others had been "consensual".
She additionally advised the jury it will be their job to determine whether or not the alleged victims had been both "courageous" in coming ahead now, or "lying" so as to profit financially.
Ms Agnew concluded: "Kevin Spacey Fowler abused the power and influence that his reputation and fame afforded him; taking advantage of his popularity and prominence, his illustriousness and influence.
"Taking what and who he needed when he needed."
Defence warns jury to count on 'damned lies'
Meanwhile, in a short assertion, the defence - led by Patrick Gibbs - stated Spacey had returned to the UK to reply the allegations towards him, and "say in full in due course what actually happened".
He warned the jury they'd hear "some truths," "some half-truths," "some deliberate exaggerations" and "many damned lies" throughout proof.
Spacey is dealing with 12 expenses - all of which he denies.
They are: 4 counts of sexual assault; three counts of indecent assault; three counts of sexual assault; one depend of inflicting an individual to have interaction in sexual exercise with out consent and considered one of inflicting an individual to have interaction in penetrative sexual exercise.
This final cost is probably the most critical, and carries a most punishment of life imprisonment.
The case will proceed at London's Southwark Crown Court on Monday, with the complete trial set to final round 4 weeks.
Spacey has been granted unconditional bail.
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