Australian actor Guy Pearce has issued comments which appear to insinuate he was groped by Kevin Spacey while they worked on the 1997 film L.A. Confidential, saying that Spacey is a “handsy guy.”
Speaking on Channel 7’s Interview last night, Pearce was prompted by host Andrew Denton to speak on his experiences working with Spacey.
After describing the accused sexual abuser as an “incredible actor”, a reticent Pearce said he had a “slightly difficult time” working with him.
The screen star then dropped the “handsy” description, adding that “thankfully I was twenty-nine, and not fourteen,” an allusion to the allegation that Spacey made a sexual advance on an underage actor.
Denton then moved the conversation to other topics.
Pearce is one of the highest-profile figures to infer sexual harassment by Spacey in the media.
His comments come after actor Anthony Rapp‘s accusation spurred a torrent of public claims and police investigations against the Academy Award-winner.
Overnight, London’s Metropolitan Police announced they are investigating three new reports of sexual assault by Spacey, bringing the total number of active police investigations in the UK to six.
Los Angeles County prosecutors are also investigating sexual assault allegations made against Spacey.
Film and television studios have cut ties with the actor since the allegations made headlines, and hit Netflix series House Of Cards is set to return for a new season without Spacey in its leading role.
This article discusses sexual assault & harassment. If you would like to talk to a counsellor about rape, sexual assault or domestic violence, give the people over at 1800 RESPECT a call on 1800 737 732.
