It has been confirmed that Kevin Spacey will not receive the 2017 International Emmy Founders Award in the wake of the allegations made against him.
The ‘House of Cards’ star – who has been accused by actor Anthony Rapp of making a sexual advance towards him when he was just 14-years-old in 1986 – was due to be honored by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for his longstanding career but the award has now been taken from him.
READ: The Internet Calls Out Kevin Spacey For Alleged Sexual Assault Accusation
The Academy said in a statement: “The International Academy has announced today that in light of recent events it will not honor Kevin Spacey with the 2017 International Emmy Founders Award.” It was announced back in June that Spacey would be handed the award for being “one of the great multi-dimensional talents”.
Bruce L. Paisner, Academy President, and CEO, said at the time: “Kevin is one of the great multi-dimensional talents in our industry. From his acting in many movies and television shows to his successful stewardship of the Old Vic theatre in London and his outstanding deal-making and acting prowess in House of Cards, he’s climbed every mountain there is. We are thrilled that he will be accepting the Founders Award.”
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Harvey Weinstein Accused Of Sexual Assault By 27 Hollywood Stars
In addition to being stripped of the honarary award, House of Cards’ has been cancelled amidst claims of sexual assault made against Kevin Spacey. Streaming giant Netflix – who said they were “deeply troubled” by the allegations made against Spacey – has confirmed they will air the show’s final 13 episodes in 2018.
They said in a statement: “Media Rights Capital and Netflix are deeply troubled by last night’s news concerning Kevin Spacey. In response to last night’s revelations, executives from both of our companies arrived in Baltimore this afternoon to meet with our cast and crew to ensure that they continue to feel safe and supported. As previously scheduled, Kevin Spacey is not working on set at this time.”
It comes at a difficult time for Spacey – who plays Francis Underwood in the thriller series – after he was accused of “trying to get sexually” with actor Anthony Rapp when Rapp was just 14-years-old.
