Kevin Spacey has responded to Guy Pearce 's allegation that the actor "targeted him" during the making of LA Confidential . Spacey told Pearce to "grow up" and asserted "you are not a victim". This comes after Pearce detailed his experiences with Spacey during the 1997 film's production.
Pearce had previoUSly described Spacey as "a handsy guy" in 2018. Recently Pearce expanded on these experiences. Spacey who has faced accusations of sexual misconduct has admitted to making "clumsy" advances in the past but denies any illegal actions.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter Pearce stated that Spacey "targeted me no question" during LA Confidential filming. Pearce recounted telling his then-wife he felt secure on set when Simon Baker was present becaUSe Spacey's attention shifted to Baker.
Pearce explained "But I did that thing that you do where you brush it off and go ‘Ah that’s nothing. Ah no that’s nothing.’ And I did that for five months. And really I was sort of scared of Kevin because he’s quite an aggressive man. He’s extremely charming and brilliant at what he does – really impressive et cetera. He holds a room remarkably. But I was young and susceptible and he targeted me no question" Pearce added.
Pearce mentioned the #MeToo movement as "a really incredible wake-up call". This movement brought numerous sexual misconduct allegations against figures in Hollywood in 2017. At that time Anthony Rapp accused Spacey of making sexual advances towards him at a New York party in 1986 when Rapp was 14.
Spacey was legally cleared of misconduct and sexual assault in separate US and UK trials. He also successfully defended against Rapp's lawsuit.
Pearce recalled "I was in London working on something and I heard [the reports] and I broke down and sobbed and I couldn’t stop". He continued "I think it really dawned on me the impact that had occurred and how I sort of brushed it off and how I had either shelved it or blocked it out or whatever."
Pearce expressed reluctance to label himself a victim. He clarified "even though I probably was a victim to a degree; I was certainly not a victim by any means to the extent that other people have been to sexual predators.”
Spacey responded to these allegations on X. In a video addressing Pearce Spacey stated "We worked together a long time ago". He continued "If I did something then that upset you you could have reached out to me. We could have had that conversation but instead you’ve decided to speak to the press who are now of course coming after me because they would like to know what my response is to the things that you said. You really want to know what my response is? Grow up."
Spacey claimed Pearce visited him in Georgia a year after LA Confidential's release while Spacey was filming Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Spacey questioned "I mean did you tell the press that too or does that not fit into the victim narrative you have going?"
Spacey further added "I apologise that I didn’t get the message that you don’t like spending time with me. Maybe there was another reason I don’t know but that doesn’t make any sense. That you would have just been leading me on right? But here you are now on a mission some 28 years later after I’ve been through hell and back."
Spacey concluded "You want to have a conversation? I’m happy to do so anytime anyplace. We can even do it here live on X if you like. I’ve got nothing to hide. But Guy – you need to grow up. You are not a victim.”
Pearce mentioned raising Spacey’s alleged behavior with him years later but stated that subsequent "confrontations with Kevin" "got ugly".
Last May Spacey commented on NewsNation that the #MeToo movement had "swung very very far in the direction of unfairness". However he maintained he was "trying to show that I’ve listened. I’ve learned. I’ve got the memo. I feel very strongly that whatever mistakes I’ve made in my life that I paid a price.”
What Pearce And Spacey's Public Spat Means For Hollywood
Revisiting Past Allegations In The #MeToo Era
This exchange highlights the ongoing impact of the #MeToo movement. Pearce's decision to speak about his experiences decades later indicates the movement's influence on opening up conversations about past incidents. Spacey's response reflects a pushback against these allegations suggesting a divide in how these issues are perceived within Hollywood.
Spacey's career faced significant setbacks after the initial allegations emerged. Despite legal clearances his public image remains affected. Pearce's statements and Spacey's rebuttal could further solidify existing public opinions on both actors. It raises questions about accountability and how past behaviors are addressed in the industry today.
Our Take On Pearce And Spacey's Conflict
Differing Perspectives And Lingering Questions
Pearce and Spacey's accounts present contrasting views of their interactions during LA Confidential filming. Pearce describes feeling targeted and uncomfortable while Spacey dismisses these claims suggesting Pearce is exaggerating or misinterpreting events. This disagreement underscores the subjective nature of such experiences and the difficulty in achieving a universally accepted narrative.
Spacey's "grow up" remark and questioning of Pearce's motives might be seen as dismissive of Pearce's feelings. Conversely Pearce acknowledging he might have been a victim "to a degree" but not to the extent of others suggests a nuanced perspective on his own experience. The situation leaves lingering questions about power dynamics in Hollywood and how individuals process and react to uncomfortable or inappropriate behavior in their careers. The public discourse around this event will likely continue to evolve as more voices weigh in.
Source: theguardian.com, cnn.com, variety.com , hollywoodreporter.com