A jury has found that Kevin Spacey did not molest Anthony Rapp, who had sued claiming the actor tried to sexually abuse him when he was 14
Rapp, 50, and Spacey, 63, each gave evidence over several days at the three-week trial in New York.
The lawsuit sought $40m in damages.
An emotional Kevin Spacey says he regrets apologising to actor Anthony Rapp over claims that he made an unwanted sexual advance when Mr Rapp was 14.
Mr Rapp, now 50, sued Spacey for millions of dollars in damage in 2020 for battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and testified earlier this month that an intoxicated Mr Spacey — then 26 and acting on Broadway — climbed on top of him at a party at his Manhattan apartment.
Mr Spacey, 63, dabbed tears from his eyes with a tissue as he described immediate intense pressure from publicists and lawyers to respond with an apology.
“They told me I couldn’t push back on the story,” Mr Spacey said.
“I knew I wouldn’t have any sexual interest in Anthony Rapp or any child. That I knew.
“I regret my entire statement.”
At the time, with the #MeToo movement gaining momentum which Mr Spacey said contributed to fear in the entertainment world.
“The industry was very nervous. There was a lot of fear in the air about who was going to be next,” he said.
“I was shocked. I was frightened and I was confused … I knew I had never been alone with Anthony Rapp.”
Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.
In Short:
– Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested for allegedly murdering activist Charlie Kirk, 31, at a university event in Utah.
– Witnesses revealed Robinson’s negative views on Kirk and links to anti-fascist sentiments through his messages and actions.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested following the alleged murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, during a university event in Utah.
Authorities reported that Robinson shared details about the incident on Discord, discussing his actions after the shooting.
He reportedly inscribed internet culture references on the bullets used, including anti-fascist sentiments.
Witness testimonies indicate Robinson had expressed negative views about Kirk prior to the attack, which he described as “spreading hate.”
He arrived campus in a grey Dodge Challenger and opened fire, leading to Kirk’s immediate collapse. Following the incident, Robinson’s father and a minister turned him in to the police.
Political Context
Robinson’s messages, including references to anti-fascist imagery and memes, indicated a motive tied to Kirk’s political beliefs.
Governor Spencer Cox noted Robinson’s increasing political engagement and dissatisfaction with Kirk’s views in conversations with relatives. The investigation raised concerns over targeted violence linked to political ideology.
Wall Street traders are increasingly confident the Federal Reserve will cut rates next week.
Fresh inflation data has showed prices edging higher but growth slowing, and with jobs, markets, and political pressure all in focus, the Fed’s decision could be pivotal for the economy.
In Short:
– Federal authorities are investigating the shooting of Charlie Kirk, who was killed at Utah Valley University.
– A manhunt for the actual shooter is underway; two men have been questioned and released without charges.
Federal authorities are investigating the shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, who was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University.
The incident occurred around 12:20 PM when Kirk was shot in the neck, leading to a chaotic scene as attendees fled. Kirk, a father of two, died shortly after being taken to a local hospital.Investigators believe the shooter fired from a building approximately 200 yards away.
During the aftermath, two men, one of whom claimed to have fired the shot, were taken into custody but later released without charges. A manhunt is ongoing for the actual shooter.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that those responsible will be held accountable, outlining the state’s commitment to justice.
President Donald Trump condemned the political climate surrounding Kirk’s death, blaming extreme rhetoric and violence.
In a statement, he remembered Kirk as a patriot who advocated for open debate. Following the incident, vigils were held nationwide, and classes at the university have been cancelled.
Ongoing Investigation
As investigations continue, American flags will fly at half-staff until Sunday in honour of Kirk.
“I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination,” Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, told a news conference.
“And I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said that its State Crime Lab was “working with multiple active crime scenes”.
“These were identified based on where the victim was shot, as well as the locations where the suspect and victim travelled,” a department statement said.
“The shooting is believed to be a targeted attack. The shooter is believed to have fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the public event in the student courtyard.”
Eyewitness account
Attendee Tiana Lao said the shooting came as a shock in what otherwise felt like an= normal event.
“We didn’t realise it was real at first and then everyone began rushing out, shouting to get down in panic and distress,” she told ABC News.
“People were excited. There were some opponents like there usually are at these events … but they were peaceful, so this was a total shock.”