Actor Kevin Spacey’s lawyer has tested positive for COVID-19, but the week-old civil sexual assault trial resumed Thursday with testimony from a psychiatrist.
U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan said his first concern after attorney Jennifer Keller tested positive Thursday morning was that the jury be safe and that courthouse protocol be followed. All judges are at least partially vaccinated, he said.
Keller, who was not in the Manhattan courtroom Thursday, questioned actor Anthony Rapp on Wednesday about his claim that Spacey made sexual advances on him in 1986 when he was 14. . At the time, Spacey was 26 years old. Spacey, now 63, has denied the rap claim.
It was unclear after Thursday how the case would proceed. Kaplan said the trial could be adjourned until next Wednesday so at least two jurors who may have been close to Keller while she was questioning the rap could be tested for the coronavirus in a few days to make sure. Make sure they are not sick. Face masks are optional in the courtroom and Keller did not wear one Wednesday.
Rapp’s lawyers were nearing the end of presenting their case against Spacey when Keller became ill. Spacey’s lawyer said he showed symptoms late Wednesday night.
Testimony so far in the trial has focused on Rapp’s claim that Spacey approached him after a party in his Manhattan apartment in 1986 while Rapp was sitting on a bed watching television.
Rapp, now 50, testified that Spacey lifted her onto a bed and pressed her clothed body against Rapp’s clothed body before Rapp got out and took a bath before leaving the apartment. Fled to Rome.
Through his lawyers, Spacey has denied that the encounter ever took place, although he has yet to testify. He arrived at the court late on Thursday.
Rapp is seeking $40 million in damages for what he describes as psychological harm.
Lisa Rocchio, a forensic psychologist who examined Rapp, testified Wednesday that she experienced “tremendous shame, guilt and confusion” after her encounter with Spacey.
His testimony resumed Thursday.