Kevin Spacey faces extradition to UK after being charged with sexual assault
Kevin Spacey. (Getty)
UK authorities are reportedly seeking a formal extradition of Kevin Spacey from the US after he was charged with sexual assault.
The House of Cards actor was charged with four counts of sexual assault against three men on 26 May, relating to incidents that allegedly occurred between March 2005 and April 2013.
On 29 May, The Guardian reported that the Home Office is pursuing extradition, which would involve US police being sent to find and arrest Kevin Spacey on behalf of British authorities.
According to Nick Vamos, a former head of extradition at the CPS, US Department of Justice officials would read papers sent from the UK to determine if there is “probable cause” for extradition.
If they did, then US officers would be obligated to arrest Spacey.
Kevin Spacey is facing four counts of sexual assault charges in the UK. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for DIFF)
The Crown Prosecution Service authorised criminal charges against Kevin Spacey after a review of evidence gathered by a Metropolitan Police investigation.
The head of the CPS Special Crime Division Rosemary Ainslie said: “The CPS has authorised criminal charges against Kevin Spacey, 62, for four counts of sexual assault against three men.
“He has also been charged with causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. …
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Spacey are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.”
It is alleged Spacey committed four sexual offences in London and one in Gloucestershire.
The first two sexual assault charges are alleged to have both been against the same male complainant, and to have taken place in London in March 2005.
The third assault charge took place in August 2008, when Spacey allegedly engaged in penetrative sexual activity without consent against a man who is now in his 30s.
The fourth charge took place in Gloucestershire in April 2013.
From 2004 to 2013 Spacey was the director of the Old Vic theatre in London. Throughout his career he has received widespread acclaim for his acting roles in Unusual Suspects, Seven and House of Cards.
Despite this scandal, Spacey continues to receive support from the producers of his upcoming film Peter Five Eight, his first film in five years.
In a statement released to Deadline the producers said: “While it’s unfortunate that increased negative press is timed with Kevin returning to work, it’s also to be expected. There are those who wish for him not to act, but they are outnumbered by fans worldwide who await an artist they have enjoyed for decades returning to the screen.
“The production has no knowledge or comment on the various swirling allegations and believe it’s a matter for the courts to determine validity if it exists. Peter Five Eight is a film for fans who care more for the art than the scandal.”
Kevin Spacey has denied all allegations against him.
