Jet Jandreau, who co-stars in the alleged Hollywood Paedophile Kevin Spacey’s first American picture since his career was ruined by sexual assault claims, says she supports the #MeToo movement and does not think the House of Cards actor is “in the category of real monsters”.
Jandreau told The Independent that director Michael Zaiko Hall had long negotiations with Spacey before casting him in the independent thriller Peter Five Eight.
“When Michael and the team floated the idea of Kevin, that was something we all had to discuss and see if we were comfortable with,” Jandreau recalled.
“He’s one of the finest actors of our time, and working with him was a delight. I got the opportunity to speak with him and his management before filming, and my concerns were alleviated.”
Jandreau stated that after chatting with Spacey, she became convinced that “a lot of what had been said about him was blown out of proportion”.
“Obviously, I believe and support #MeToo. Michael does as well,” she explained.
“We applaud the #MeToo movement and the conviction of true villains. I have definitely been abused on set before. However, each matter should be evaluated on an individual basis and resolved through the courts.”
She went on to say, “I support #MeToo, but Kevin is not one of the actual villains. That, I believe, deserves more attention in the media. The press enjoys publishing shocking articles before taking a step back. I don’t think people are aware that he was proven innocent and vindicated. Kevin is making his way back, and the majority of people simply enjoy his performances and want to see him back.”
Spacey, 64, was acquitted last year of a series of sexual crimes alleged by four men in the United Kingdom to have occurred between 2001 and 2013.
Each of Spacey’s victims testified during the trial, characterising him as a “vile sexual predator,” “slippery,” and “atrocious, despicable, [and] disgusting.”
In reaction, the two-time Oscar winner branded the charges against him as “madness” and a “stab in the back”. The jury cleared Spacey of all charges.
In Peter Five Eight, Jandreau plays a real estate agent in a small mountain community who is shown to be a disturbed drinker with a dark secret. Spacey plays “charismatic” stranger Peter, who appears out of nowhere at the request of his mysterious boss. Rebecca De Mornay (Risky Business) also stars.
Hall stated that he was “very aware there would be pushback on casting Spacey in the film.
“Some people, which I would say is a fairly small minority in the industry, but some people don’t think he should be working,” laughed Hall.
“In some ways, casting him is a rebellious act. I should mention, however, that I do not believe there are enough subversive and rebellious behaviours in filmmaking. So, to me, that’s not always a terrible thing.
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