NEW YORK - Netflix on Friday dumped Kevin Spacey, saying it would be involved in no further production of its hit series "House of Cards" that includes the actor, now facing a mounting slew of sexual assault allegations.
The streaming service also said it was abandoning the release of an upcoming film "Gore" that had also starred the 58-year-old actor, whose glittering career is now collapsing around him.
"Netflix will not be involved with any further production of 'House of Cards' that includes Kevin Spacey," a Netflix spokesperson said.
The channel said it would work with the show's production company, MRC, "during this hiatus time to evaluate our path forward as it relates to the show."
"We have also decided we will not be moving forward with the release of the film 'Gore,' which was in post-production, starring and produced by Kevin Spacey," the spokesperson added.
Eight current or former employees on the award-winning "House of Cards" told CNN that Spacey turned the set into a "toxic" environment through a pattern of sexual harassment of younger, male crew members.
Spacey is also reportedly being investigated by British police for assault in 2008, has been accused of attempting to rape a 15-year-old boy in New York and of making advances on a 14-year-old boy.
The actor, who plays corrupt US president Frank Underwood on the Netflix series, declared that he was "beyond horrified" by the first allegation to be made public, from actor Anthony Rapp, which he claimed not to remember.
source: news.abs-cbn.com
LOS ANGELES - Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey is seeking unspecified treatment, according to his representatives, following allegations of sexual misconduct that have forced a halt in production of his Netflix show "House of Cards" and a social media backlash.
"Kevin Spacey is taking the time necessary to seek evaluation and treatment," his representatives said in a statement late Wednesday.
No details on the nature of the treatment were provided. An email from Reuters seeking further comment wasn't returned.
Spacey over the weekend apologized to actor Anthony Rapp, who had accused the Hollywood star of trying to seduce him in 1986, when Rapp was 14.
As part of his apology, Spacey also announced he was gay. but angered many in the LGBT community and beyond who saw his announcement as an effort to divert attention from the disclosure by Rapp.
Rapp said on his Twitter feed at the weekend that he would have no further comment.
Streaming service Netflix, saying it was "deeply troubled" by Rapp's allegation, subsequently said that production of the upcoming sixth season of its Golden Globe-winning political drama "House of Cards," in which Spacey plays U.S. president Frank Underwood, was being suspended and that the show would end after the 6th season.
It was not clear on Thursday whether the sixth season of the show would go ahead after Spacey's decision to seek treatment.
"We view Kevin seeking treatment as a positive step. We continue to take this hiatus time to evaluate our path forward as it relates to the production and have nothing further to share at this time," Netflix and producer Media Rights Capital said in a statement after Wednesday's announcement.
Spacey's announcement follows harassment allegations against him this week by two other men - Mexican actor Roberto Cavazos, who worked in the London theater where Spacey was artistic director from 2004-2015, and U.S. filmmaker Tony Montana.
Reuters was unable to independently confirm any of the accusations.
Spacey is among a number of prominent entertainment figures who have been accused of sexual misconduct in recent weeks. (Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Alden Bentley)
source: news.abs-cbn.com
