Kevin Spacey Christmas video urges those who ‘feel guilt or shame’ to seek help in anti-suicide message
KEVIN Spacey has uploaded his annual Christmas video urging those who “feel guilty or shame” to seek help in an anti-suicide message. The former House of Cards star released the festive video on Thursday. The 61-year-old came out as gay in 2017, shortly after actor Antony Rapp accused him of sexually assaulting him at the […]
KEVIN Spacey has uploaded his annual Christmas video urging those who “feel guilty or shame” to seek help in an anti-suicide message.
The former House of Cards star released the festive video on Thursday.
The 61-year-old came out as gay in 2017, shortly after actor Antony Rapp accused him of sexually assaulting him at the age of 14.
Rapp was the first alleged victim to come forward, claiming that Kevin – who was 26 at the time – had made a sexual advance upon him in 1986.
In total, more than 30 men claimed that they had been victims of Kevin’s unwanted advances.
“If you’re standing in a place that you can no longer remain standing, if you’re suffering and need help, if you feel guilt or shame, if you’re struggling with your identity, if your back’s up against the wall or if you feel that there is no path for you,” he said.
“Whatever your situation, I promise you there is a path and that at this time, during this holiday and beyond, even if you don’t feel it, there are people out there who understand and who can help.”
He went on to tell viewers that “you are not alone,” while sitting on a bench.
Spacey revealed the “a lot” of people have reached out to him this year to tell him about their own struggles.
He reasoned: “My ability to be there for them has really only been possible because of my own difficulties.”
“And while it has been a privilege to offer support, I have to say, frankly, it’s also been beyond my abilities. It’s bigger than me.”
The disgraced actor titled the two-minute long video ‘1-800 XMAS.’
At the end of the footage, Spacey provides the Suicide Prevention Hotline and promises viewers “it does get better.”
Spacey has denied all allegations against him and the final US criminal case was closed in July 2019, but police in London are probing sex harassment claims during the star’s time at the Old Vic theatre.
London’s Old Vic theatre, where Spacey was an artistic director from 2004 to 2015, also apologised as it revealed it had received 20 allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
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Theatre bosses said a “cult of personality” had contributed to the organisation’s failings.
He was stripped of an International Emmy Award and his acclaimed Netflix series House of Cards killed off his central character as they axed him from the show.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.