‘He targeted me’: Guy Pearce says he ‘sobbed’ over Kevin Spacey encounters | Film

Guy Pearce Opens Up About Encounters with Kevin Spacey

Oscar-nominated actor Guy Pearce has spoken candidly about his experiences working with Kevin Spacey on the 1997 film LA Confidential. Pearce revealed that while he was not as severely affected as others who have accused Spacey of misconduct, he did experience inappropriate behavior and has as confronted the actor about it.

“I just try to be more honest about it now and call it for what it is,” Pearce said, expressing his regret for initially downplaying the incidents. “ I broke down and sobbed once I achieved more clarity on what had happened.”

Pearce acknowledged that he was a victim to a degree, but emphasized the experiences of others who had been more deeply harmed. He stated, “Even though I problably 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.”

Pearce described feeling increasingly uncomfortable during the film’s production in Hollywood, noting that the only moments of safety he felt were when Spacey’s attention was directed towards another actor, Simon Baker. He said,“He’s extremely charming and brilliant at what he does – really impressive,etc. He holds a room remarkably. But I was young and susceptible, and he targeted me, no question.”

The turning point for Pearce came in 2017,when actor Anthony Rapp publicly accused Spacey of making sexual advances towards him in 1986. Numerous other accusations followed.

Pearce reflected on his reaction to these revelations, saying, “I heard these stories about Kevin, sort of officially as news stories. And I was in London working on something, and I heard [the reports] and I broke down and sobbed, and I couldn’t stop. I think it really sort of dawned on me the impact that had occurred and how I sort of brushed it off and how I had sort of either shelved it or blocked it out, or whatever. That was a really astonishing wake-up call.”

Later,Pearce confronted Spacey,leading to “a couple of confrontations that got ugly.”

As these allegations surfaced, Spacey has faced legal battles and struggled to maintain his career. He was recently cleared of sexual assault charges in the US and the UK. However, he was unsuccessful in defending himself against a lawsuit brought by Rapp. Spacey has continued to work, voicing a character in the thriller Control, and taking on a role as “The Devil” in the upcoming Italian thriller The Contract.

In a 2023 interview, Spacey expressed his belief that the #MeToo movement had “swung very, very far in the direction of unfairness,” stating, “I’m trying to show that I’ve listened. I’ve learned. I’ve got the memo. I feel very strongly that whatever mistakes I’ve made in my life, that I paid a price.”

Pearce’s account sheds light on the complex issues surrounding power dynamics in Hollywood and the long-lasting impact of alleged misconduct. It serves as a reminder that the consequences of abuse can reverberate for years, affecting the lives of both the victims and the perpetrators.

How has guy Pearce’s experience working with Kevin Spacey influenced his outlook on power dynamics within the film industry?

Guy Pearce: “I Finally Faced the Truth About Kevin Spacey”

In an exclusive interview with Archyde, acclaimed actor Guy Pearce opens up about his experiences working with disgraced actor Kevin Spacey on the iconic 1997 film, LA Confidential. Pearce discusses the inappropriate behavior he faced, his delayed reaction to the #MeToo movement, and his eventual confrontation with Spacey.

Recalling the Past: Working with Kevin Spacey

Archyde: Looking back,what was it like working with Kevin Spacey on LA confidential?

Guy Pearce: It was a challenging experience. While he was incredibly talented and held the room effortlessly, there was an uncomfortable tension throughout the production. I felt increasingly uneasy around him.

Inappropriate Behavior and Power Dynamics

Archyde: Can you elaborate on the inappropriate behavior you experienced?

Guy Pearce: He was extremely charming, but also had a predatory edge. He targeted me, and I was young and susceptible. I wasn’t as severely affected as others who’ve accused him, but it was inappropriate nonetheless.

The Turning Point: The #MeToo Movement

Archyde: When did you truly face the gravity of your experiences?

Guy Pearce: I think it was when Anthony Rapp came forward with his story in 2017. I was in London,working on another project,and I heard the news. I broke down. It was a wake-up call, making me realize the impact of what had happened to me, and others.

Confronting Spacey: A Challenging Journey

Archyde: Did you ever confront Kevin Spacey about his behavior?

guy Pearce: Yes, it led to some heated exchanges. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for my healing process.

The Legacy of Alleged Misconduct

Archyde: How do you think these experiences have shaped your outlook on power dynamics in Hollywood?

Guy Pearce: They’ve made me more aware of the importance of speaking out and supporting fellow survivors. We must continue to challenge power structures that allow such behavior to flourish.

Looking Ahead: Hope in the #MeToo Era

Archyde: What’s your message to others who may have experienced similar situations?

Guy Pearce: It’s never too late to find your voice. Speak out, seek support, and know that you’re not alone. we’re making progress, but there’s still work to be done.