The Complete Timeline: Was Kevin Spacey Acquitted? His Dramatic Career Comeback And Post-Trial Life

The definitive answer to the question "Was Kevin Spacey acquitted?" is yes. The two-time Academy Award winner was found not guilty of all charges in his high-profile UK criminal trial, a verdict that dramatically concluded a years-long legal battle that had derailed his illustrious career. As of today, December 12, 2025, the actor has been cleared of all criminal charges in the UK and found not liable in a major civil lawsuit in the US, allowing him to focus on an independent, and largely European-based, career comeback.

The acquittals, which took place in 2022 and 2023, have not instantly restored his standing in Hollywood, but they mark a pivotal legal victory. This comprehensive report details the full timeline of the charges, the court outcomes, and the surprising new film projects that are defining Kevin Spacey’s post-acquittal life and his attempts to re-enter the mainstream spotlight.

Kevin Spacey Fowler: Full Biography and Career Highlights

Kevin Spacey Fowler is an American actor, producer, and director known for his distinctive and often villainous roles across film and theatre. His career, spanning four decades, is marked by critical acclaim and numerous prestigious awards before the legal allegations brought it to a halt.

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• Full Name: Kevin Spacey Fowler
• Date of Birth: July 26, 1959
• Place of Birth: South Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
• Key Awards and Honors:
  • Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor: The Usual Suspects (1995)
  • Academy Award for Best Actor: American Beauty (1999)
  • Tony Award: Lost in Yonkers (1991)
  • Golden Globe Award: House of Cards (2015)
• Notable Roles: Verbal Kint in The Usual Suspects, Lester Burnham in American Beauty, John Doe in Se7en, and Frank Underwood in the Netflix series House of Cards.

The Definitive Legal Outcomes: Acquittals and Dismissals

The legal saga involving Kevin Spacey spanned multiple jurisdictions, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The complexity of the cases often led to confusion, but the final verdicts are clear: in every major case that proceeded to trial or judgment, he was ultimately cleared.

The UK Criminal Trial: Acquittal of All Nine Charges

The most significant and high-profile case concluded in London. In July 2023, after a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court, a jury delivered a unanimous verdict that cleared Kevin Spacey of all nine sexual offense charges.

• Charges: The actor faced nine charges, including sexual assault, indecent assault, and causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity.
• Timeline: The alleged incidents involved four men and were said to have occurred between 2001 and 2013, a period when Spacey served as the artistic director of the Old Vic theatre in London.
• The Verdict: On July 26, 2023, Spacey was found not guilty on all counts.
• Impact: Following the verdict, Spacey was visibly emotional and stated he was "humbled" by the jury's decision. This acquittal removed the most serious legal threat to his freedom and career.

The US Civil Lawsuit: Found Not Liable

Prior to the UK criminal trial, Spacey faced a civil lawsuit in the United States brought by actor Anthony Rapp. Rapp was the first person to publicly accuse Spacey of sexual misconduct in 2017.

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• Case Details: Anthony Rapp sued Spacey for battery, alleging an incident occurred in 1986 when Rapp was 14.
• The Verdict: In October 2022, a New York jury found that Rapp had not proven his claim and ruled that Spacey was not liable.

Other US Cases: Charges Dropped

Early on, criminal charges were filed against Spacey in Nantucket, Massachusetts, and Los Angeles, California. However, both cases were ultimately dropped by prosecutors before reaching trial due to various factors, including the unavailability of a complaining witness.

The Uncanceled: Kevin Spacey’s 2024-2025 Career Revival

Following his legal victories, the focus has shifted from the courtroom to the comeback trail. While mainstream Hollywood remains cautious, Spacey has actively pursued independent and international film projects, signaling a slow but determined return to acting.

New and Upcoming Film Projects

The actor’s slate of post-acquittal projects demonstrates a clear effort to rebuild his filmography, often taking on roles with a dark or morally ambiguous edge. These projects are primarily European-financed, bypassing the major US studios and streaming platforms that previously "canceled" him.

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• Peter Five Eight (2024): This thriller was one of the first projects to be completed and released post-acquittal, featuring Spacey in a leading role as a morally bankrupt assassin.
• The Contract (2024): In this thriller, Spacey took on the role of the Devil, a meta-commentary on his public persona that garnered significant attention.
• The Awakening (Upcoming): Spacey has joined the cast of this conspiracy thriller, marking another significant step in his career revival.
• Other Roles: He has also taken on a voice role in the video game Control and is attached to the film 1780.

Public Appearances and Industry Recognition

The most visible signs of his return to the spotlight have occurred on the international stage. His presence at major film festivals and his receipt of awards indicate a segment of the global film community is willing to welcome him back.

In a surprise move, Spacey reportedly made a comeback appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025, nine years after his last major presence there. Furthermore, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award in Italy, an honor that reignited the debate over "cancel culture" and the path to professional redemption after legal clearance.

Despite the professional opportunities, Spacey has been candid about the personal and financial toll of the last few years. In a public statement, he revealed that he is currently "living out of hotels" after losing his home due to the immense legal costs and loss of income. This admission highlights the lasting reputational fallout and financial strain, even after a complete legal vindication.

Topical Authority: The Impact on Hollywood and 'Cancel Culture'

The acquittal of Kevin Spacey has become a central case study in the ongoing cultural debate surrounding the #MeToo movement and the concept of "cancel culture." For many, the legal outcome proves that due process is essential, while for others, the jury verdict does not erase the allegations or the subsequent reputational damage.

The industry's reaction remains divided. While independent producers are casting him, major US studios and networks—especially Netflix, which famously dropped him from House of Cards—have not announced any plans to re-engage. The path to a full, mainstream Hollywood comeback is still uncertain, requiring the industry to reconcile the legal fact of his innocence with the enduring public perception shaped by the initial allegations.

Spacey's consistent message, including his declaration "I'm STILL STANDING" in a return to the spotlight, is one of resilience and a demand for his career to be judged on his professional merits once again. His future will likely be defined by the box office success of his new, independent films and the willingness of US audiences to accept his return.