Kevin Spacey transitioned from earning $500,000 per episode on House of Cards to being ‘homeless’ following numerous allegations of sexual assault.
The once-celebrated actor recently disclosed that he ‘literally has no home’ and is now ‘living in Airbnbs and hotels’ after the initial accusations surfaced in 2017.
Ironically, Spacey was portraying the villain in the popular Netflix series at the time and was promptly removed from the show.
From 2017 to 2022, Spacey faced around 30 accusations, including claims from at least eight crew members of House of Cards.
His reputation shattered, his 43-year career in ruins, and on the verge of bankruptcy, Spacey’s life was turned upside down.
The double Academy Award winner consistently denied all allegations, but his legacy remains irreparably damaged.
The first to accuse Spacey, now 66, was actor Anthony Rapp, known for his role as the original Mark Cohen in the Broadway musical and film Rent.
Following Rapp’s accusation, others came forward, including actor Robert Cavazos, filmmaker Tony Montana, and Richard Dreyfuss’s son, Harry.
On October 29, 2017, Rapp alleged in a Buzzfeed interview that Spacey sexually assaulted and harassed him when Rapp was 16 and Spacey was 26.
Spacey addressed the claims on X, formerly Twitter, stating: “I honestly do not remember the encounter, it would have been over 30 years ago,” and expressed a ‘sincerest apology’ to Rapp for what might have been ‘inappropriate drunken behavior’ if true.
In the same statement, he controversially chose to come out as gay.
Rapp proceeded to sue Spacey for sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress under the Child Victims Act.
A New York federal civil court jury concluded that Spacey did not molest Rapp, and he was found ‘not liable’ on all allegations.
Rapp was subsequently ordered to pay Spacey $39,089 in legal fees.
In 2022, Spacey was back in court, this time in London.
In a separate criminal case, he faced four charges of sexual assault against three men, along with causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. Later that year, seven additional charges were brought concerning a fourth individual.
In 2023, a jury found Spacey not guilty on all charges.
According to the Legal Information Institute, a not guilty verdict indicates the prosecution did not prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Despite his legal victory, Spacey claimed he was left with ‘many millions’ in legal expenses.
The $5.65 million Baltimore mansion he bought in early 2017 was put up for auction, and his belongings are now in storage.
He has since collaborated with first-time filmmakers and hopes that a major Hollywood director might rejuvenate his mainstream career.
Since 2017, Spacey stated that his relationship with fame has improved, and he now feels ‘happier’ and ‘more comfortable’ with ‘nothing to hide’.