Transcript for Kevin Spacey pleads not guilty to indecent assault and battery
tonight to actor Kevin spacey, surrounded by cameras as he arrived for court in nantucket, charged after a Boston TV anchor came forward more than a year ago, describing what she says happened to her son. ABC’s linsey Davis from nantucket tonight. Reporter: It was the much anticipated arrival. Mr. Spacey, is there anything you want to say? Reporter: Actor Kevin spacey, wading through throngs of media and a crush of onlookers, on his way into court, charged with felony indecent assault and battery for allegedly groping a then 18-year-old at a nantucket bar in July of 2016. The two-time Oscar winner arrived in nantucket from Baltimore on a private jet shortly before his hearing. His drive from the airport to court followed by helicopter. Spacey exited the car and was swarmed immediately. Crowds gathering during what is typically the quiet offseason on this Massachusetts island. Inside, spacey walked into a packed, standing room only courtroom. All rise. Reporter: Spacey’s legal team entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. The judge ordering the 59-year-old actor to stay away from the alleged victim as they await trial. You’ll be required to stay away and have no contact, direct or indirect, with the alleged victim. Reporter: Spacey nodded, but he did not speak during the brief hearing. This has been a long battle that began to unfold in late 2017 when, in front of the cameras, a former Boston news anchor, Heather Unruh, said spacey had assaulted her son. Kevin spacey bought him drink after drink after drink, and when my son was drunk, spacey made his move and sexually assaulted him. And I want to make it clear, this was a criminal act. Reporter: Spacey’s team has already begun their defense, arguing in court last month that there is no sufficient evidence to charge the star, and saying the alleged victim told spacey he was 23 years old, even though he was just 18. ABC news obtained a recording of a pretrial hearing, during which spacey’s attorney questions the officer who took the testimony from the accuser. If we were to stand and count off three minutes, you would agree, trooper, that’s an incredibly long time to have a strange man’s hands in your pants, correct? I would agree with that, yes. Reporter: While spacey has hardly been seen publicly, on Christmas eve, the very same day he was charged, spacey broke his silence, posting this unusual video online, where he appears to defend himself while in character as frank Underwood, who he once portrayed on “House of cards.” You wouldn’t believe the worst without evidence would you. You wouldn’t rush to judgment without facts would you? Reporter: Another hearing is set for March 4th. Spacey does not have to appear. If he is ultimately convicted, he faces up to five years in prison. David? Linzie, thank you.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
