Netflix cancels ‘House of Cards’ following sexual assault allegations against star Kevin Spacey surface

Paul Morigi/Getty Images For Netflix

House of Cards is one of the biggest productions Netflix has ever produced but now it gets the rug pulled out from under it after allegations that its star and executive producer Kevin Spacey sexually assaulted Star Trek: Discovery star Anthony Rapp in 1986 back when he was 14. While the show was scheduled to be wrapped up soon, this scandal can be considered the tipping point for Netflix and producer Media Rights Capital to cancel the show. The two companies say in a statement, “Media Rights Capital and Netflix are deeply troubled by last night's news concerning Kevin Spacey. In response to last night's revelations, executives from both of our companies arrived in Baltimore this afternoon to meet with our cast and crew to ensure that they continue to feel safe and supported. As previously scheduled, Kevin Spacey is not working on set at this time.”

Spacey also issued his own statement saying he was “beyond horrified” about Rapp’s story but that he doesn’t recall the incident. In the same statement, he also says he chooses to “live as a gay man” from this point on, which has him criticized by GLAAD and gay activists because it seems like a deflection from Rapp’s accusation. Filming for the sixth season began in Maryland this month but there’s no specific premiere date yet. Season five premiered May 30 on Netflix.

Source: Engadget