Kevin Spacey
Five-minute critique of cancel culture
Standing ovation in Oxford: Kevin Spacey
© imago images/ZUMA Wire
During a short appearance in Oxford, Spacey vents his anger about cancel culture. He lets Shakespeare speak for himself.
Almost three months after a London court acquitted him of charges of sexually assaulting four men, Hollywood star Kevin Spacey (64) made his first public appearance at the venerable Oxford University. As part of a lecture by the English journalist and author Douglas Murray (44) about cancel culture, Spacey entered the room through a side door, to the surprise of the audience. However, Spacey did not give a speech; rather, he let William Shakespeare himself speak for himself and his cause. In the role of Timon of Athens, he criticized false friends and the cancel culture, of which he sees himself as a victim.
“Someone I’m proud to call my friend”
Spacey’s short appearance in the role of Timon lasts all of five minutes and ten seconds – but it’s quite something. Murray leads off by announcing “someone I’m proud to call my friend: Kevin Spacey.” Then Spacey enters the stage of the small lecture hall of the traditional university in everyday clothing and with a glass of water and keyword cards in his hands. And he gets started by bringing Shakespeare and his Timon of Athens to life in a monologue. Timon complains in drastic terms about the fact that he attracted countless friends when he was rich and generous. When luck no longer works for him, his supposed friends also disappear – a situation that could also apply to Spacey.
Kevin Spacey complains about prejudice
Spacey, who repeatedly addresses his audience directly during his performance, delivers the energetic monologue freely. Deeply hurt in his soul, he portrays Timon – and therefore himself. The performance ends with the words: “This world makes me sick. I will never love it!” Then he leaves. And when Spacey re-enters the room to face the audience’s reaction, he receives a standing ovation.
After he was acquitted of four sexual assault allegations in July, the two-time Oscar winner complained about his previous conviction: “Before the first question was asked, I lost my job, my reputation. I lost everything within a few days. ” On Sunday, a London cinema canceled the premiere of its new film “Control” at short notice. The standing ovation from the Oxford audience could encourage Spacey to seek publicity more often again.
That’s what the trial was about
The trial against Spacey began in London at the end of June. The actor, who was dropped as part of Hollywood’s MeToo movement, was accused of inappropriately touching or coercing sexual intercourse with four men in Britain between 2001 and 2013. Spacey denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges. On his 64th birthday, he was finally acquitted on all counts in London at the end of July.
Spacey had already been acquitted in the USA in 2022. A New York jury found him not guilty. His fellow actor Anthony Rapp (51) accused him of sexually harassing him when he was just 14 years old.