Guy Pearce reflects on troubling experiences with Kevin Spacey on ‘L.A. Confidential’

Guy Pearce opens up about uncomfortable encounters with Kevin Spacey on set of L.A. Confidential, reflecting on lasting impact.

Guy Pearce recently opened up about uncomfortable encounters with Kevin Spacey while filming L.A. Confidential, revealing that he now recognizes the impact those experiences had on him. Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Pearce became emotional as he recalled Spacey’s alleged behavior and how he initially dismissed it.

Pearce, who played Ed Exley in the 1997 neo-noir film, shared that Spacey had targeted him on set. While he emphasised that he was not sexually assaulted, he admitted to feeling “uncomfortable” and “scared” due to Spacey’s aggressive demeanor. “He’s extremely charming and brilliant at what he does… but I was young and susceptible, and he targeted me, no question,” Pearce said.

At the time, Pearce brushed off the interactions, but he later realized their lasting impact. He recalled breaking down in London in 2017 when allegations against Spacey surfaced amid the #MeToo movement. “I couldn’t stop sobbing. It really dawned on me how I had either shelved it or blocked it out,” he explained.

While Pearce had previously made brief comments about Spacey, this is the first time he has spoken in depth about their interactions. He also revealed having “ugly confrontations” with Spacey in later years. Despite his reluctance to focus on his own experiences, he stated, “I don’t want him to get away with what he gets away with.”

Spacey has denied all allegations against him and was acquitted of multiple charges in 2023. Pearce is currently Oscar-nominated for The Brutalist.