Actor Man Pearce Shares Heart-Wrenching Response to Kevin Spacey’s Alleged Misconduct
Updated at 12:15 PM PT on 2/18/25
In a bold move, Kevin Spacey released a video addressing his former co-star Man Pearce, provocatively stating in his caption, ?Grow up, Man Pearce. You are not a victim.? This marked a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct in Hollywood.
Spacey continued, expressing his disappointment over Pearce’s comments, stating, ?I have now read the comments you have made about me, and while I would have preferred to not have to play this out in the media, you clearly have your own reasons for wanting to do exactly that.? This highlights the tension between them and the complexities of navigating public accusations.
He further commented, ?But we worked together a long time ago. If I did something then that upset you, you could have reached out to me; we could have had that conversation.? Spacey?s remarks suggest a desire for private resolution rather than public confrontation, reflecting the challenges faced by those involved in such scandals.
Grow up, Man Pearce. You are not a victim. pic.twitter.com/33paGTj4Aq
? Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) February 18, 2025
@KevinSpacey
Spacey provocatively asked, ?Do you really want to know what my response is? Grow up. Did you also, by the way, tell the press that a year after we shot LA Confidential, you flew to Savannah, Georgia while I was shooting Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil just to spend time with me?? This statement raises questions about the nature of their relationship and the narrative being presented.
Continuing his defense, Spacey remarked, ?Anyway, I apologize that I did not get the message that you do not like spending time with me? here you are now on a mission, some 28 years later after I?ve been through hell and back to do what? Just in time to stop the bad guy, huh? Is that what?s going on here? What took you so long? Did your horse run out of gas?? This implies a sense of frustration over the timing and motivations behind Pearce’s accusations.
Spacey concluded with, ?If you want to have a conversation, I?m happy to do so anytime, anywhere. We can even do it here, live on X; I have nothing to hide. But Man, you need to grow up, you are not the victim.? This statement underscores the ongoing conflict and Spacey?s insistence on transparency in a public forum.
Man Pearce is courageously discussing his allegations of uncomfortable interactions with Kevin Spacey on the set of the 1997 film L.A. Confidential. His openness adds to the broader conversation surrounding accountability in the film industry.
During a recent appearance on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Pearce became emotional as he reflected on the sexual misconduct allegations against Spacey, expressing how he felt ?targeted? by the disgraced actor during their collaboration on L.A. Confidential. This revelation sheds light on the personal impact of such allegations on actors.

Esquire/Norman Jean Roy
Denzel Washington Reflects on Oscar Loss to Kevin Spacey: ?I?m Sure I Went Home and Drank That Night?
View Story
As THR noted, Pearce, 57, initially addressed the allegations against Spacey back in 2018 while speaking with Australian talk show host Andrew Denton ? but kept his comments brief, revealing the ongoing struggle many face in discussing such sensitive topics.
At that time, Pearce described Spacey as a ?handsy man,? but later issued a statement acknowledging, ?I very much understand that it?s too delicate a subject to be dismissed. Although I wasn?t sexually assaulted or molested, I was made to feel uncomfortable.? He added, ?I addressed and handled the situation when it occurred, hence my regret at making it public now.? This highlights the complexity of navigating personal trauma and public disclosure.
Reflecting on his past, Pearce admitted he was reluctant to label himself a ?victim? at that time, showcasing the societal challenges faced by those who experience harassment.
?Though I probably was a victim to a degree; I was really not a victim by any means to the extent that other people have been to sexual predators,? he shared with Awards Chatter host Scott Feinberg. This statement underlines the varying degrees of trauma experienced by different individuals in similar situations.
However, the Australian actor recalled Spacey?s alleged inappropriate behavior on the set of L.A. Confidential, which also featured prominent actors like Russell Crowe and Kim Basinger. Pearce alleged that he felt ?targeted? by Spacey during the production of the neo-noir crime film, yet dismissed his advances at the time, demonstrating the difficult dynamics at play in such high-pressure environments.

Getty
2025 Golden Globe Awards: Complete List of Winners
View Story
??Ah, this is nothing. Ah, no, this is nothing,?? Pearce recalled his previous reactions, adding, ?I did that for five months, and honestly, I was kind of frightened of Kevin because he?s quite an aggressive man. He is extremely charming and good at what he does?truly impressive, etc. He holds a room remarkably.? This reflection reveals the conflicting emotions experienced by individuals in such situations.
?But I was young and vulnerable, and he targeted me, no question,? he continued, emphasizing the predatory nature of the behavior he faced.
Pearce noted that he confided in his then-wife, Kate Mestitz, about feeling uneasy around Spacey during the film’s production, showcasing how critical it is to communicate discomfort in potentially harmful situations.
?[I said] ?The only days I feel safe are the days when [Simon Baker] is on set because I?m dumped like a hot potato, and [Spacey] focuses on [Baker] because he was ten times prettier than I am,?? Pearce shared, indicating the dynamics of attraction and threat in their work environment.

Universal/Amazon & MGM/Netflix/Roadside Attractions
Emilia Perez and The Bear Lead 2025 Golden Globe Nominations ? See Full List!
View Story
Pearce became emotional while reminiscing about his reaction upon first learning of the sexual misconduct allegations against Spacey several years later, revealing the profound impact such revelations can have on individuals who once felt targeted.
During the #MeToo movement in October 2017, actor Anthony Rapp accused Spacey of sexual misconduct when he was just 14 years old, alleging that Spacey made an unwanted sexual advance towards him at his home. Rapp subsequently sued Spacey in 2020, although Spacey was found not liable for all charges. Following Rapp?s allegations, numerous other accusers stepped forward, with Spacey facing accusations of sexually assaulting four men in the UK between 2004 and 2013. (Spacey was acquitted of all charges in these cases.) This timeline illustrates the extensive fallout from the initial allegations.
?I was in London working on something when I heard [the reports], and I broke down and sobbed, and I couldn?t stop,? Pearce shared. ?I think it truly dawned on me the impact that had occurred and how I kind of brushed it off and how I had either shelved it or blocked it out or whatever. That was an incredible wake-up call.? His emotional response illustrates the long-lasting effects of trauma and the importance of addressing it.
Pearce added that he ?had a few confrontations with Kevin? in the years since, noting that the alleged moments ?got ugly,? which speaks to the complexities of personal relationships in the wake of public allegations.
Pearce reflected on his earlier comments about Spacey made in 2018 during his appearance on Denton?s talk show, admitting he felt he was in a ?weird place? at the time and hesitated to fully disclose his alleged encounters with Spacey, revealing the struggle many face in addressing their traumatic experiences publicly.
?I don?t want him to get away with what he can get away with,? Pearce expressed, adding about his future approach, ?I just try to be more honest about it now and call it for what it is.? This statement emphasizes the ongoing commitment to accountability and transparency in discussions of sexual misconduct.
As previously mentioned, Spacey was acquitted of all charges in both the New York trial against Rapp and in the UK. Despite this and his denial of all allegations, Spacey?s career has not rebounded, highlighting the long-term consequences of allegations in Hollywood.
The National Sexual Assault Phone Hotline ? 800.656.HOPE (4673) ? provides free, 24/7 support for those in need.