Kevin Spacey Refutes Sexual Assault Allegations in U.K. Trial, Calls Relations With 1 Accuser 'Romantic'

etonline.com:

Kevin Spacey took the stand Thursday in his sexual assault trial in London, denying allegations made by four accusers and telling the jury that he considered his actions with one of the men «romantic.» The Hollywood star was in the witness box for the first time during the trial, at which he's facing a total of 12 charges including sexual assault, indecent assault and one more serious charge of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.Spacey has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges, which stem from allegations made by four men over incidents that occurred in the U.K.

over a two decade period.Giving evidence at London's Southwark Crown Court, the Academy award winner said he had a consensual relationship with one of his accusers that was «somewhat intimate.» Spacey said he had been flirtatious with the man and that a relationship «developed over time.»«We enjoyed each other's company,» the actor told the court, adding that he «would have taken the lead.» Spacey said he had touched the man in «intimate» areas and that while there was consensual sexual activity between them, he denied committing any forceful act.«It did not happen in a violent, aggressive, painful way… it was gentle and, in my mind, romantic,» Spacey said.