Kevin Spacey, the Oscar winner, has pledged to redeem his name after being charged with sexually assaulting three men in court in London.
After returning to the UK from his home in the United States, the 62-year-old Hollywood star appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court to face four counts of sexual assault and one offence of inducing a person to engage in penetrative sexual conduct without consent.
The claims concern three men in their 30s and 40s who were arrested in London and Gloucestershire between 2005 and 2013, while Mr Spacey was artistic director of London's Old Vic theatre.
Mr Spacey entered the glass-walled dock of Court One, escorted by security officers and lawyers, including one from the United States, for the 30-minute hearing in front of Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikran.
During the hearing, he sat alone, listening closely and scanning the crowded press benches and public gallery while prosecutor Natalie Dawson laid out the facts of the case and explored bail options.
Mr Spacey has completely cooperated with the police inquiry, including four days of interrogation in New York City, according to his lawyer, Patrick Gibbs QC.
"Mr Spacey firmly rejects any and all crime in this case," Mr Gibbs told Mr Ikran. He also asked for the actor's permission to return to the United States to work, attend auditions, and care for his pet dog.
Mr Ikran referred the matter to Southwark Crown Court because of the seriousness of the charges, and the next hearing is scheduled for July 14.