Kevin Spacey has told his former L.A. Confidential co-star Guy Pearce to "grow up" in a scathing video response to recent allegations of misconduct.
The 65-year-old actor posted the video on X yesterday, addressing claims made by Pearce that he was "scared" of Spacey.
While actors like Brian Cox and Sharon Stone have called for Spacey to return to Hollywood, Pearce, 57, recently claimed on The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast that he felt afraid of Spacey during the filming of the 1997 crime drama LA Confidential.
"I was sort of scared of Kevin because he's quite an aggressive man," Pearce said.
Spacey challenged Pearce to "grow up" in a severe video challenge
X : Kevin Spacey
The Australian actor described Spacey as "extremely charming and brilliant" but added: "I was young and susceptible, and he targeted me, no question."
Pearce revealed he "broke down and sobbed" when reflecting on their on-set encounters years later.
"I probably was a victim to a degree; I was certainly not a victim by any means to the extent that other people have been to sexual predators," he said during the podcast interview.
The comments came as Pearce promoted his Oscar-nominated performance in The Brutalist.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Kevin Spacey 'should be given second chance' as Succession's Brian Cox issues rallying defence of actor
- Remorseful Kevin Spacey admits he was 'handsy' and 'caressed people' as he accepts 'pushing boundaries'
- Kevin Spacey receives standing ovation at cancel culture lecture in first performance since sexual assault acquittal
Spacey and Pearce starred alongside each other in LA Confidential
Pearce admitted he was "scared" of Spacey and called him an "aggressive man"
Getty
In his video, Spacey began: "While I would have preferred not to have to play this out in the media, you obviously have your own reasons for wanting to do exactly that.
"We worked together a long time ago. If I did something then that upset you, you could have reached out to me then. We could have had that conversation," Spacey continued. But instead you've decided to speak to the press... You really want to know what my response is? Grow up."
He also challenged Pearce's account by revealing an alleged visit after filming wrapped.
"Did you also tell the press that a year after we shot LA Confidential you flew to Savannah, Georgia, while I was shooting Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil just to spend time with me?" Spacey asked.
"Or does that not fit into the victim narrative you have going?"
The actor questioned the timing of Pearce's allegations, coming nearly three decades later.
"Here you are now on a mission, some 28 years later, after I've been through hell and back to do what? Just in time to stop the bad guy," Spacey said.
He concluded by offering to discuss the matter publicly: "We can even do it here live on X if you'd like, I've got nothing to hide."
Spacey challenged Pearce to a public discussion of the Australian's terms
X : Kevin Spacey
Spacey has faced multiple legal challenges in recent years but was cleared of several high-profile cases.
In 2022, a New York jury concluded he did not molest actor Anthony Rapp, who had accused him of sexual assault in the 1980s.
The following year, a UK court found him not guilty of nine sexual assault charges from four complainants.
Several prominent actors have defended Spacey and called for his return to Hollywood.
Sharon Stone told The Telegraph she "can't wait to see Kevin back at work", describing him as "a genius" who is "elegant and fun".
Actor Brian Cox recently told The i Paper: "We've got to an age now where people are going, 'Oh, that's bad, he's out, boom, he's cancelled.' What do you mean 'cancelled'? How dare you cancel anybody?"
