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At a gala in Cannes, Kevin Spacey made an appearance once more to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, despite allegations that the director should be barred from the film festival.

As a staunch advocate, I recently found myself expressing my views against the practice often referred to as “blacklisting” within the Hollywood industry – a topic that has become particularly relevant to me, given my past experiences and recent milestones in my career. At the age of 65, I have faced accusations of sexual assault in the past, but were acquitted on those charges two years ago, which I am grateful for.

spacey received an honor at a gala held by the Better World Fund on Tuesday, marking another step in his reemergence into the public spotlight following a substantial court case in the UK in 2023, during which he was acquitted of the accusations made against him.

Spacey, attending Cannes for the first time since 2016 to present his latest work, The Awakening, was acknowledged not just for his long-standing artistic prowess but also for his lasting influence on film and the arts, as stated.

Although the gala isn’t an official component of the Cannes Film Festival, it’s worth noting that many of the festival’s activities take place at the elegant Carlton Hotel.

Currently, The Telegraph is stating that the movie festival did not issue an invitation to Spacey, and they’ve made it clear they haven’t collaborated with the actor in any capacity.

According to the organizers, he is participating in an event that has absolutely no connection or relationship to the festival.

The Festival de Cannes did not participate in or know about the invitation given to Mr. Spacey, nor were they aware of the award that was bestowed at this private function.

When he stepped onto the stage at the event to receive his accolade, he criticized Hollywood’s perceived “blacklisting environment” during his address.

He thanked President and Founder of The Better World Fund Manuel Collas de La Roche in his speech.

He expressed his gratitude towards Manuel, the founder of the Better World Fund, commending its inspiring title. It’s impressive how an organization dedicated to improving conditions globally bears such a fitting name: ‘Better World.’ However, it’s not just about making a positive name for themselves; they truly embody their mission. Tonight’s actions serve as a testament to their readiness to take risks in pursuit of even greater good.

Given the deep personal significance of being here tonight, I’d like to extend my congratulations to Manuel for extending this invitation to me, allowing me to accept this award. To be honest, it’s surprising that celebrating someone who has been acquitted in every courtroom they’ve entered would be considered a courageous act, isn’t it?

However, let us reflect upon an individual who tirelessly worked towards improving our world, and that person is none other than Kirk Douglas, the renowned American movie star, whom we just witnessed on the screen a while ago.

Once upon a time, there was a significant gap in time, so it might be challenging to recall accurately the backlash that ensued when he courageously supported his peer, the twice-Oscar-winning screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, who faced blacklisting.

‘From 1947 until 1960, he was blacklisted. Blacklisted, we know what that means, right?

He struggled to secure work as a writer in Hollywood for a span of 13 years. However, despite being advised that engaging Trumbo as the credited screenwriter for the film Sparticus in 1960 would label him as a communist sympathizer, and potentially ruin his career and professional standing, he still chose to do so.

‘In stories, we battle villains and champion justice, yet real-life choices aren’t always straightforward. Sometimes, adhering to principles is necessary. History has taught me valuable lessons, as events often recur. The blacklist era was a dark period for our profession; let’s study it so that such occurrences never repeat.

‘Ye Kirk said those words in 2014 when he was 98 years old.

Beyond Dalton Trumbull and the Hollywood 10, it’s likely many are unaware that approximately 475 other industry professionals suffered similar fates due to baseless accusations. During this prolonged era of hardship, they too struggled to find work in Hollywood.

Today, we’re standing at a crossroads where apprehension and doubt are prevalent, not just within the movie industry but across various fields.

Since 2017, over 30 men have alleged that a two-time Oscar winner has committed sexual misconduct or inappropriate actions. These accusations resulted in Netflix removing his part from House of Cards.

In July 2023, the actor famed for his role in American Beauty was declared innocent of assault charges against four individuals following a four-week court case at Southwark Crown Court. This trial, which drew significant attention as one of the UK’s highest-profile cases linked to the #MeToo movement, concluded with this verdict.

The choice of honoring Spacey by the Better World Fund, a charity focused on creating a ‘favorable change globally’, has ignited controversy, as numerous individuals have labeled it a ‘shameful act’ in relation to the MeToo campaign.

As a committed observer, I can’t help but express my frustration and dismay. In our society, abusive men seldom face the consequences they deserve – it leaves me feeling utterly exasperated, as if I’m on the brink of losing sanity, much like one might feel at Cannes.

A different person put it this way: ‘Year after year, Cannes disappoints significantly. Their dedication to being the most inferior festival and a sanctuary for men who seem more at home in the underworld is remarkable.’

In my perspective as a lifestyle expert, it seems that the focus on celebrities like Kevin Spacey, Ezra Miller, and Shia LaBeouf, who have been embroiled in scandals, at events like Cannes is misguided. Instead of critiquing their attire, we should be addressing the serious issues they’ve faced. The fact that some wore nude or voluminous dresses seems to overshadow the more important discussions that should be had about accountability and change in the entertainment industry.

18 months have passed since the actor was exonerated from a series of criminal charges, and more recently, court documents reveal, another accusation of sexual misconduct has been levied against him.

Ruari Cannon has filed a lawsuit against Mr. Spacey at the High Court, also targeting two entities associated with the Old Vic Theatre in London.

Dushal Mehta from Fieldfisher has submitted a legal claim on behalf of Mr. Cannon, and moreover, he has decided to relinquish his confidentiality in this particular claim.

No details of the allegations involved are currently available.

Previously, Spacey had been found not guilty in court cases related to various sexual misconduct allegations made by four different men from the years 2001 to 2013.

One unidentified man has filed a lawsuit against Mr. Spacey, alleging that the actor sexually assaulted him and caused significant psychological harm. However, Mr. Spacey denies these claims.

The actor has denied all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and criminal wrongdoing.

In 1996 and 2000 respectively, Spacey was awarded the Oscars for Best Supporting Actor (for The Usual Suspects) and Best Actor (for American Beauty). This double win also earned him a BAFTA award in the Leading Actor category.

In April, the actor seemed to reject allegations of improper conduct depicted in a Channel 4 documentary, instead commending the male actors in the production for their exceptional acting abilities.

Channel 4’s two-part documentary emerged approximately nine months following the acquittal of Mr. Spacey on nine counts of sexual assault. This series explored renewed allegations against him, most of which were made by individuals who had previously remained silent.

They suggest examining the case of a man, previously known for his adoration and esteem, who was once a renowned actor.

However, in an interview with Entertainment Magazine Variety, it appeared that Mr. Spacey viewed the show less as a piece of fiction.

He said: ‘I’m honoured to be starring in my first film with Warner Brothers in many years.

‘I hope the Academy takes note of some of the great acting by the lesser-known cast.’

In May 2024, he thanked his fellow actors for defending him amidst the sexual abuse allegations.

A significant number of high-profile celebrities, such as Liam Neeson and Sharon Stone, banded together in support of their fellow award-winner, advocating for an end to his self-imposed seven-year absence from the spotlight.

The star of American Beauty appeared on NewsNation alongside Chris Cuomo to convey his heartfelt thanks for the kindness shown by his peers.

I’m extremely pleased that long-time friends of mine, whom I’ve been in touch with for several years, were inspired by the recently released documentary.

New accusations have surfaced against him in a recent Channel 4 exposé, and Mr. Spacey has countered by claiming that the broadcaster harbors a bias or intention (an agenda) in choosing to broadcast their two-part documentary titled “Spacey Unmasked.

The documentary showcased accounts, never before heard, regarding the actor’s suspected improper actions.

In a chat with ex-GB News anchor Dan Wootton, he voiced his thoughts on assertions featured in an upcoming Channel 4 documentary.

Although admitting that he might have acted in an unacceptable manner on occasion, he maintained that his actions were not against the law.

Mr Spacey has been cleared of sexual assault in trials in the US and UK.

I acknowledge and own up to my past actions. However, I won’t accept blame or offer an apology for fabricated accusations or overblown stories about me.

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2025-05-21 02:00

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