Brian Cox Says Kevin Spacey Shouldn't Be 'Punished Endlessly'

• Brian Cox has spoken out in support of Kevin Spacey's return to Hollywood in a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter
• The two actors previously worked together on the 1994 movie Iron Will
• Cox said he “really (does) go back to, 'Let he who is without sin cast the first stone' “

Brian Cox is speaking out in support of Kevin Spacey.

In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter published Monday, Dec. 16, the 78-year-old actor reflected on Spacey's controversies and his perspective about his former costar now.

“I met with him recently. I think he's been through it,” said Cox of Spacey, 65. “He's had the kicking that some people think he deserved. He's ready to get back in the saddle again, and people are trying to stop. him from doing that.”

The Succession The actor continued on to say he “really (does) go back to, 'Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.' ,

“Maybe he got too out of hand, but I don't think he should be punished endlessly for it,” Cox said. “There should be a case of forgive and forget. Let's move on. I think he should be given the opportunity to come back to work.”

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Cox was also asked about previous comments he made regarding Spacey's behavior being inappropriate when they worked together on the 1994 Disney adventure film Iron Will.

“I just think Kevin had certain things which he couldn't or didn't admit to, and I think it was a strain on him in many ways,” the Scottish actor said. “And for me, that was Kevin's only difficulty. But he's a very fine actor, and I like Kevin a lot. He's very funny.”

Spacey's career unraveled when Anthony Rapp became the first person to publicly accuse him of sexual assault, with several more accusers coming forward in the years that followed.

In 2022, a New York jury found that Spacey was not liable for battery in relation to Rapp's accusations; the following year, a UK court found him not guilty of nine counts of alleged sexual assault, with additional initial charges in the case struck as well.

Allegations against the actor have continued to amass in documentaries like Investigation Discovery's Spacey Unmaskedreleased in May.

The House of Cards alum, who has denied all claims made against him — and received criticism for coming out as gay in response to Rapp's initial accusations in 2017 — said in a June interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored that he is struggling to pay his legal bills and that his home in Baltimore was being foreclosed on as a result of the criminal prosecution against him and other lawsuits.

Amid his controversies, Spacey has received support from multiple fellow actors, including Sharon Stone and Liam Neeson.

In a chat with THR published in July, Stone, 66, noted that “people are mad at me for” speaking out in defense of Spacey, adding, “I said that after being in therapy for seven years, not being allowed to work, losing his home, losing everything, he should be allowed to come back.”

“He's reached out to everybody he's offended and said he's sorry. Kevin grabbed people by their genitals. Many people,” she said. “But nobody (has publicly said) he's raped them or forced them into a sexual encounter.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.