Kevin Spacey says 'glad to be working again'
Spacey's presence at a gala dinner organised by the Better World Fund marks another step in the rehabilitation of the star who has been dogged by sexual assault allegations.
"I feel surrounded by so much affection and love. I've heard from so many of my friends and colleagues and co-stars in the last week since this award was announced," he told reporters at the event. "It's very nice to be back."
Asked if it was the beginning of a comeback, he replied: "I'm glad to be working, I'll tell you that."
The invitation to Cannes -- where Spacey has not been seen on the red carpet since 2016 -- comes as the main festival has been enforcing a no-tolerance policy on sexual misconduct, under pressure from lawmakers and #MeToo anti-abuse activists.
French actor Theo Navarro-Mussy -- who denies rape allegations made by three women -- was barred last week from the premiere of a French film in the running for the festival's top prize.
A festival spokesperson declined to comment about Spacey's presence in Cannes when contacted by AFP.
Spacey was acquitted of nine cases of alleged sex offences in Britain in 2023 and a New York court dismissed a $40 million civil sexual misconduct lawsuit against the "Usual Suspects" actor in 2022.
But last May new claims of inappropriate sexual behaviour emerged in a British television documentary, "Spacey Unmasked".
In it, 10 men not involved in the UK court case against Spacey accused him of behaving inappropriately towards them.
The 65-year-old has always denied any wrongdoing.
In February, lawyers for former actor Ruari Cannon told AFP that he was taking a case to Britain's High Court against Spacey and London's Old Vic Theatre, where the actor was artistic director between 2003 and 2015.
In the documentary, Cannon accused Spacey of having touched him inappropriately in London when he was 21 years old and the American star was 53.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fashion Network
an hour ago
- Fashion Network
Tommy Hilfiger joins Cadillac Formula 1 team as official apparel partner
has announced a multi-year partnership with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, becoming the team's official apparel partner and lifestyle sponsor. The partnership coincides with Cadillac Formula 1 Team's entry into the sport, following its final approval in March 2025 to join the grid for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship. The team, formed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, will be the first new addition since 2016. The partnership will see Tommy Hilfiger's signature design language woven into the fabric of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team's identity. The brand's logo will appear on race cars, driver suits, and helmets, while team kits and an exclusive line of fanwear will launch as well. 'Two icons. One vision. A bold new era of American motorsport,' said Tommy Hilfiger. 'We're proud to continue our Formula 1 story alongside TWG Motorsports and Cadillac. We share a vision to honor the heritage of F1 while pushing it forward — celebrating where we come from, and reimagining where we can go. As the sport's presence around the globe continues to soar, there's never been a better time to dream big, and show the world what an American team can bring to the grid.' Tommy Hilfiger's connection to Formula 1 runs deep. From sponsoring teams like Lotus, Ferrari, and Mercedes-AMG to collaborating with Sir Lewis Hamilton, the brand continues its legacy of bold collaborations across entertainment and sport. Most recently, the brand collaborated with F1 The Movie with the launch of The APXGP Collection, fronted by Brand Ambassador Damson Idris. Hilfiger also supports F1 Academy and rising star Alba Larsen. 'From the very beginning, entertainment and sport have been part of our brand's heritage,' said Lea Rytz Goldman, global brand president, Tommy Hilfiger. 'By doubling down in motorsport, we are excited to present a fresh expression of what's possible when fashion evolves at the speed of pop culture. This iconic partnership continues our legacy of breaking boundaries, bringing style to the grid, and driving the future of Formula 1.' Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team, added: 'Tommy Hilfiger is an American original, and we're proud to welcome them as our first official partner. This collaboration represents the fusion of two bold, innovative brands—where performance meets iconic style. As we build a team that reflects American ambition on the global F1 stage, this partnership sets the tone for what's ahead.'
Fashion Network
an hour ago
- Fashion Network
Hermès to auction the first-ever Birkin bag in Paris this July
French luxury brand Hermès created the first-ever Birkin bag for actress Jane Birkin, and the iconic piece will soon be auctioned in Paris. As a symbol of modern fashion history, the sale is expected to spark a bidding frenzy. Now a globally recognized design icon, the Birkin bag remains so exclusive that Hermès offers it only to its most loyal clients, with prices starting at approximately $10,000. Auction house Sotheby's, which is handling the sale of the Birkin prototype in Paris on July 10, declined to specify a reserve price publicly and its value is hard to forecast. "The original Birkin holds the potential to redefine records," Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's global handbag and fashion head, said in a statement. The previous record sale price for a handbag at auction was set by a highly customized Birkin in Hong Kong in 2017. The diamond-encrusted crocodile-skin Birkin 30 with white gold details fetched $510,000 at Christie's. The seller of the original Birkin is well-known Paris-based handbag collector and dealer Catherine Bénier, whose appointment-only boutique in the high-end 6th district of the capital has a cult following. Bénier told The New York Times that the bag was the "jewel in my collection." Sotheby's said it has changed hands twice since being put up for sale by Birkin at an auction in 1994, when the proceeds went to an AIDS charity. A record-setting sale price for the prototype would be in keeping with the fashion world's recent flashy aesthetics. After years of so-called "quiet luxury" dominating catwalks, designers have embraced more ostentatious looks in recent seasons, which some trend forecasters have dubbed "boom boom". Celebrity fans The birth of the Birkin bag has become a modern fashion legend. During a Paris–London flight, the singer and actress—who died in 2023—complained to a fellow traveler about being unable to find a bag suitable for her needs as a young mother. That fellow passenger happened to be Jean-Louis Dumas, then head of Hermès. Their conversation resulted in a spacious tote with room for baby bottles, the Birkin, created in 1984. Sotheby's said it is engraved with the initials J.B. and has several unique features, including closed metal rings, a non-detachable shoulder strap, and a built-in nail clipper. Its condition "reflects the many years of use by the actress and singer," Sotheby's said. Since then, a slightly differently sized version of the original has become the flagship product of the immensely profitable family-owned luxury French leather goods maker. Produced in very limited numbers, the bag has maintained an aura of exclusivity and is beloved by celebrities ranging from Khloé Kardashian to Jennifer Lopez to Victoria Beckham. Frustrated fashionistas in America even sued Hermès in a class-action suit in California last year after they were refused access to the bags. Birkin also had a sometimes strained relationship with Hermès, once threatening to take her name off the bags because of the group's treatment of crocodiles whose skins are used for its products. The former wife of French singing legend Serge Gainsbourg championed a host of causes, including animal rights. The prototype Birkin will be exhibited at Sotheby's in New York from June 6 to 12 before being put on show in the French capital before the sale. In addition to the Birkin bag, the Sotheby's "Fashion Icons" sale will feature runway pieces from designers including Christian Dior, John Galliano, Thierry Mugler, and Alexander McQueen. Bidding will open online on June 26 and close on July 10.
Fashion Network
an hour ago
- Fashion Network
Louis Vuitton names Carole Bildé new SVP of image and communications
has appointed Carole Bildé to be its new SVP of image and communications. Bildé joins Vuitton from champagne house Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, another stellar marque within the luxury conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. At Veuve Clicquot, Bildé was chief marketing and communications officer. 'I am pleased to announce the appointment of Carole Bildé as Senior Vice President, Image and Communication, effective June 10, 2025. She will report to me,' said Louis Vuitton CEO Pietro Beccari in a memo to staff which has seen. With over 25 years of experience working for communication agencies and luxury brands, Bildé is a recognized figure in the communications field. She first joined LVMH in 2018, when she began at the prestigious champagne brand Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. 'In this key role, she brilliantly orchestrated the brand and communications strategy, while driving a dynamic of marketing innovation and cultural identity… I'm sure you'll all join me in giving Carole the warmest of welcomes in her new role,' added Beccari. At Vuitton, Bildé's mission will be to manage the brand's image and communications strategy, amplify the house's influence and affirm its position as a leader in the world of luxury by drawing on the expertise of its dedicated teams. In this organization, Matteo Golinelli and the visual merchandising teams will also report directly to Beccari. Prior to joining LVMH, Bildé was the worldwide head of brand, communications, digital, and e-commerce at Chloé. Previously, Bildé spent 12 years at ad agency behemoth Ogilvy & Mather as an associate director. Bildé succeeds Blake Harrop, who will soon be taking on new responsibilities within the group. 'I'd like to thank Blake. He has played an active role in launching new strategic partnerships, which have strengthened the brand's global influence. I wish him every success in his new role,' added Beccari. Harrop joined Vuitton in early 2024, and though his time at Louis Vuitton was short, it was also busy. During his tenure at Vuitton, the brand launched a global campaign featuring Zendaya for its Murakami collection. While in New York, his department oversaw the unveiling of a gigantic trunk façade at Vuitton's flagship 57th Street store. His time at the French brand also coincided with Vuitton's heavy dive into Formula One, becoming a major sponsor whose brand name now features in giant crescents over each championship race. Prior to joining Louis Vuitton, Harrop was president at the advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy for 13 years, where he led its Tokyo, Shanghai and Amsterdam offices, creating dynamic campaigns with brands such as Nike, Instagram, Hennessy, Airbnb, Meta, Samsung and Ray-Ban.
