Hollywood star Kevin Spacey said he will "voluntarily appear" in a UK court as he is "confident" he can assert his innocence following sexual assault allegations against him.
In an interview with Good Morning America, the 62-year-old actor said: "I very much appreciate the Crown Prosecution Service’s statement in which they carefully reminded the media and the public that I am entitled to a fair trial, and innocent until proven otherwise.
“While I am disappointed with their decision to move forward, I will voluntarily appear in the UK as soon as can be arranged and defend myself against these charges, which I am confident will prove my innocence".
Matt Crossick
Spacey is to be charged with four counts of sexual assault against three men, the Crown Prosecution Service announced this month.
He also faces another charge of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.
The incidents are alleged to have taken place in London between March 2005 and August 2008 and in Gloucestershire in April 2013.
Spacey is a two-time Oscar winner and is best known for his roles in Se7en, The Usual Suspects and the Netflix show House of Cards.
He left his role as artistic director of the Old Vic theatre in London in 2015 following earlier sexual abuse allegations surfaced in the US, which were later dropped.
Producers of the actor's newest film Peter Five Eigh, which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this month, have defended him against the charges saying: "While it’s unfortunate that increased negative press is timed with Kevin returning to work, it’s also to be expected.”
They added: “The production has no knowledge or comment on the various swirling allegations, and believe it’s a matter for the courts to determine validity if it exists. Peter Five Eight is a film for fans who care more for the art than the scandal".
Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Decision, said the UK charges were brought forward following a review of evidence obtained by a Metropolitan Police Investigation.
Ms Ainslie said to the public that "The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Spacey are active and that he has the right to a fair trial".
