Guy Pearce Speaks Out About Kevin Spacey's Behavior on L. A. Confidential Set

Guy Pearce, an Australian actor, recently opened up about his experiences working with Kevin Spacey on the 1997 film L. A. Confidential. Pearce, who is currently nominated for an Oscar for his role in The Brutalist, shared his thoughts during an interview. The actor recalled how Spacey made him feel uncomfortable during their time on set. Pearce described Spacey as "handsy" and admitted that he brushed off the advances, thinking it was nothing serious. He also mentioned that he was scared of Spacey because of his aggressive behavior. Pearce played the role of Ed Exley in L. A. Confidential, a film directed by Curtis Hanson. The movie follows three Los Angeles policemen as they investigate a series of murders in the 1950s. Pearce's co-stars included Russell Crowe and Kevin Spacey. Despite the uncomfortable experiences, Pearce remained on good terms with Crowe, whom he considers a close friend. However, his relationship with Spacey soured over time. Pearce revealed that he felt safe only when fellow actor Simon Baker was on set, as Spacey would focus his attention on him instead. This dynamic made Pearce feel relieved, as he was not the center of Spacey's unwanted advances. It wasn't until years later, during the #MeToo movement, that Pearce fully realized the impact of those experiences. In 2017, actor Anthony Rapp accused Spacey of making sexual advances when he was just 14 years old. This revelation triggered a wave of accusations against Spacey, leading to a significant shift in Hollywood's landscape. Pearce recalled a moment in London when he heard the news about Spacey's allegations and broke down in tears. He realized that he had brushed off and blocked out the uncomfortable experiences with Spacey. This emotional breakdown served as a wake-up call for Pearce, prompting him to confront his past and acknowledge the impact of Spacey's behavior. Pearce mentioned having "a couple of confrontations with Kevin" that turned ugly, but he chose not to disclose the details. Pearce's new strategy is to be more honest about his experiences and call out inappropriate behavior when he sees it. He wants to ensure that Spacey does not get away with his actions. Pearce's interview also covered his early career in Australia, his breakout roles in films like The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Memento, and his current Oscar nomination for The Brutalist. The film, directed by Brady Corbet, finds Pearce playing a wealthy American industrialist who sexually assaults a central male character. Pearce's experiences with Spacey highlight the broader issue of sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry. The #MeToo movement has brought to light the prevalence of such behavior and the need for accountability. Pearce's story serves as a reminder that even those who brush off uncomfortable experiences can be deeply affected by them. It's important to acknowledge and address these issues to create a safer and more respectful environment for everyone in the industry.