The Old Vic Theatre in London has confirmed that they received over 20 complaints about Kevin Spacey‘s behaviour during his tenure as artistic director, and blamed a ‘cult of personality’ for these claims not being aired earlier.
The theatre went on to confirm that 14 of the allegations were so serious that they recommended the complainants go to the police.
Kate Varah, the theatre’s executive director, issued an apology to those who say they were targeted by Spacey during his time at the theatre:
The Old Vic apologises wholeheartedly to the people who told us that they have been affected. We’ve learned that it is not enough to have the right process in place. Everyone needs to feel able to speak out no matter who they are.
That apology really goes to the people who feel they were affected by this but what is also important to understand there is a new way forward for this organisation.
The Old Vic copped some flak after the initial Spacey allegations for remaining quiet and not making any statements about the man who was their artistic director for eleven years. They say that it was important for them not to make a quick statement as they were undertaking a thorough investigation.
“It would have been easy for us to make a quick statement,” Varah said. “It was not appropriate for us to do that because of the nature of the allegations.”
The theatre’s management maintains that they received no complaints during Spacey’s tenure, and were completely unaware of any sexual misconduct. This is challenged by several former staff, who say that Spacey’s behaviour with young men at the theatre was an open secret.
Nick Clarry, the chairman of the Old Vic, also issued a statement apologising to “all those people who felt unable to speak up at the time”.
Inappropriate behaviour by anyone working at the Old Vic is completely unacceptable. We will foster a safe and supportive environment without prejudice, harassment or bullying of any sort, at any level.
Spacey has not commented on the allegations, and has indeed not responded to any allegation after the initial claim from Anthony Rapp
