A Massachusetts judge has denied actor Kevin Spacey’s request not to appear in person at a Nantucket courthouse for his arraignment on felony misconduct charges next Monday.
Spacey, whose real name is Kevin S. Fowler, filed an affidavit in Nantucket District Court Monday that said his having to walk past reporters at the courthouse would “amplify the negative publicity already generated in connection with this case,” according to USA Today.
The 59-year-old intends to plead not guilty on charges of indecent assault and battery against an 18-year-old busboy at a Nantucket restaurant in 2016, according to court documents.
His lawyer, Juliane Balliro, said in court documents that Spacey’s presence would “heighten prejudicial media interest in the case” and could affect the jury’s decision in the case.
Over the weekend, Spacey made a public appearance, donning a baseball cap that said “Retired since 2017.” He bought a Domino’s pizza and took it to paparazzi camped outside his Baltimore residence.
Alan Jackson, the victim’s lawyer, previously disclosed that the law enforcement officer who investigated the incident was surprised the 18-year-old filmed a three-minute video of a hand – allegedly Spacey’s – touching the outside of his pants. The busboy never told Spacey to stop or audibly objected.
[Also read: Kevin Spacey confesses; Hollywood hardest hit]
