Two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey has sparked a wave of online criticism after launching a new line of merchandise to coincide with America's 250th birthday. The actor, whose career largely unravelled following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017, announced the release of a limited-edition ring, retailing for $250 (approximately £190), via his social media channels.
The ring, engraved with the Latin phrase 'Per Ardua Ad Astra' ('Through adversity, to the stars'), is described as a collector's piece 'inspired by themes of power, ambition, and legacy'. Each ring comes in a box personally hand-signed by Spacey, and is marketed as being available in 'very limited quantities' for a three-week period from its launch. A photograph accompanying the announcement showed Spacey, 66, wearing the ring and raising his fist.
However, the announcement has been met with widespread derision and mockery across social media. Many users referenced Spacey's former role as Frank Underwood in the popular series 'House of Cards', with one person commenting, 'Frank Underwood would never support this opportunistic grab for cash in the presidents name.' Other comments ranged from expressions of disappointment, such as 'Oh how the mighty have fallen,' to satirical jokes about proposing with the ring or wearing it to social events.
Spacey's once-dominant Hollywood career came to an abrupt halt in 2017 after actor Anthony Rapp accused him of sexual abuse dating back to 1986. Subsequently, over a dozen other men came forward with similar allegations, all of which Spacey either denied or maintained were consensual. While Rapp's allegations were dismissed by a Manhattan court in 2022, and Spacey was cleared of nine sexual assault charges in a UK trial in 2023, his professional standing has not recovered to its former heights.
Despite these acquittals, Spacey has primarily worked on low-budget independent and European film productions in recent years. However, in a recent podcast appearance, Spacey suggested he felt increasingly 'welcomed' back into Hollywood, indicating a belief that public perception of his situation is beginning to shift. The reaction to his latest merchandise venture suggests that for many, the controversies remain a significant part of his public image.