Kevin Spacey sexual assault trial testimony: I’m just ‘a big flirt’

Kevin Spacey took the stand in a London courtroom on Thursday to defend himself against a wave of sexual assault allegations, claiming he’s just “a big flirt” — not a predator.

The double Oscar winner told Southwark Crown Court he was initially “crushed” to learn of certain accusations raised against him. He specifically referenced claims from one accuser, who Spacey said was “charming” and “funny” when they met.

“We had a very fun time together,” the actor testified, adding that their relationship did take a turn for the physical, but never in an “aggressive” or “violent” way.

“Slowly over time it became somewhat sexual but we never had sex together,” Spacey said. “He made it clear he didn’t want to go any further. That happens at times and you just respect how far someone wants to go or not go.”

The complainant painted their encounters in a slightly less romantic light during his own testimony last week. He said he was disgusted by Spacey’s advances and recalled for jurors an instance when the actor “aggressively” grabbed his crotch while they drove to a swanky party in the early 2000s.

“He grabbed me so hard I almost came off the road,” he told the court. “He grabbed me really hard and it really hurt.”

Another accuser called Spacey a “vile sexual predator” as he recounted passing out at his London flat and later waking up to find the actor performing oral sex on him.

“He accused me of drugging him, and then falling asleep for hours and hours,” Spacey said during his testimony on Thursday. “None of that is true.”

The “House of Cards” actor previously pleaded not guilty to the dozen charges brought against him, including sexual assault, indecent assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. They involve a total of four men now in their 30s or 40s and date from 2001 to 2013, spanning most of the decade Spacey lived in Britain and served as artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre.

Spacey said in court he agreed to take on the top job at Old Vic in 2003 with the hopes of revitalizing the once-thriving theater. He also discussed his love for the stage and performing, telling jurors that his mother would say he began acting the moment he was born.

His testimony comes after prosecutors rested their case earlier this week. They described Spacey as a “sexual bully” who preys on men and doesn’t “respect personal boundaries.”

If convicted, the Tony winner could face possible prison time. Spacey, who owns homes both in London and the United States, is currently free on unconditional bail.

With News Wire Services