It took less than a week for two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey to go from admired stage, TV and film star to a pariah, under investigation by the police amid allegations of sexual assault and fired from his Emmy-winning role in House of Cards. Here's a look at key developments in his still-unfolding case.
Blockbuster claim
Sunday, October 29
In an interview with BuzzFeed, actor Anthony Rapp said he attended a party at Spacey's New York apartment in 1986 when he was 14. At the end of the night, an inebriated Spacey climbed on top of him, Rapp said. Rapp said the 26-year-old was holding him down tightly, but he was able to get away and left the apartment. Rapp said he was inspired to come forward in the wake of allegations swirling around Harvey Weinstein.
Apology and more
Monday, October 30
Spacey posted on Twitter that he didn't remember the Rapp encounter. "But if I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behaviour," he said.
Online firestorm
All day, Spacey faced condemnation from fellow performers, including actor Zachary Quinto, comedian Wanda Sykes and musician Lance Bass. Netflix and the House of Cards producer, Media Rights Capital, announced the show would end after the conclusion of season six (though they added that such a decision had been made before the allegations) and some show executives arrived in Baltimore, where the series is shot, to make sure actors and crew "continue to feel safe and supported."
Another allegation
Tuesday October 31
Mexican actor Roberto Cavazos wrote on his Facebook page that he encountered Spacey at the bar of London's Old Vic Theatre, where Spacey was the artistic director from 2004-15. "It was more common for this guy, when he was in the bar of his theatre, grabbing whoever caught his attention," Cavazos wrote. "I didn't stand for it, but I know some people who were afraid to stop it." In a statement, the Old Vic expressed "deep dismay" at the sexual assault allegations and said, "inappropriate behaviour by anyone working at The Old Vic is completely unacceptable." Spacey did not respond to requests for comment. Tuesday's episode of the NBC drama This Is Us, which had initially referred to a Spacey film, was re-edited to replace him with Christian Bale.
'Toxic' set
Thursday , November 2
CNN reported that eight current or former House of Cards workers claimed that Spacey made the production a "toxic" workplace and one ex-employee alleged the actor sexually assaulted him. CNN reported that all of the people described Spacey's behaviour as predatory. The report accused Spacey of allegedly targeting staffers who were typically young and male with unwelcome advances. More fallout followed when Spacey's talent agency Creative Arts Agency said it was no longer representing Spacey, and his publicist also parted ways with the actor.
Deepening crisis
Friday, November 3
London police said they had begun investigating an alleged 2008 sexual assault reportedly linked to Spacey. The Sun newspaper said the new allegation comes from a man who was in his early 20s at the time. In America, Netflix said it would cut all ties with Spacey, and will not be involved with any further production of House of Cards that includes him. The company also said it will not release the film Gore, starring Spacey, which was in post-production. In another blow to Spacey's wallet, a Dutch business forum cancelled his headline appearance at their conference November 29 in Rotterdam.
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Read more:
Netflix cuts ties with Kevin Spacey after more misconduct allegations
Harvey Weinstein could face arrest as New York police investigate ‘credible rape allegation’
Director, radio boss implicated in Hollywood abuse scandal
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Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
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Last 10 NBA champions
2017: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-1
2016: Cleveland bt Golden State 4-3
2015: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-2
2014: San Antonio bt Miami 4-1
2013: Miami bt San Antonio 4-3
2012: Miami bt Oklahoma City 4-1
2011: Dallas bt Miami 4-2
2010: Los Angeles Lakers bt Boston 4-3
2009: Los Angeles Lakers bt Orlando 4-1
2008: Boston bt Los Angeles Lakers 4-2
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Results
Stage seven
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 3:20:24
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 1s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 5s
General Classification
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 25:38:16
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 22s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 48s
if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
