Kevin Spacey's star power kept his alleged Old Vic victims silent

Why were so many afraid to speak out over the alleged sexual misconduct of Kevin Spacey during his tenure at the Old Vic?

According to the conclusion of the theatre's independent investigation into its former artistic director , it was his "star power" that stopped people standing up to him.

Those who worked with Spacey - observing or experiencing his alleged misconduct - were apparently unclear what to do or whether their concerns would be taken seriously.

It all sounds eerily familiar - people were too afraid to speak up for fear they'd never work again. Remind you of anyone ?

The Old Vic's hand was effectively forced when Mexican actor Roberto Cavazos publicly claimed it was an open secret at the theatre - that everyone had their own "Kevin Spacey story".

The theatre, which has consistently denied any knowledge of claims against Spacey at the time, hired an external law firm to carry out its own research.

As briefing notes were handed out to the small group of journalists who'd been invited to discuss the findings, senior management admitted what they'd found out was "distressing".

Fourteen of the allegations were so serious that complainants were advised by the investigators to take the matter up with the police. Three said they already had.

Claims ranged from behaviour that made people feel uncomfortable through to actions that were sexually inappropriate.

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More than half of the alleged incidents took place in the theatre itself - either in the building's creative areas (rehearsal spaces or backstage) or in the theatre's bar.

There were pockets of knowledge, it would seem, where people had their suspicions but crucially concerns weren't escalated.

The Old Vic has been keen to stress that no legal claims or formal grievances were made during Spacey's tenure.

So how comes they weren't reported?

Louise McMullan from the acting union Equity says she can understand why people didn't come forward.

She said: "Workers in our industry, particularly actors and other creative workers who we represent, they're precarious workers they are often freelance or have a self-employed status, and they fear that if they complain and put their head above the parapet that they might not get the next job."

Film director Joelle David told me, even now, people are still afraid to speak up.

"I think the problem with this industry is you are always in constant fear someone will take your place should you speak up," he said.

"So people just often grin and bear it because it's better than you being looked down upon or victim shamed because you've spoken up."

The Old Vic says its contacted Spacey to inform him of their investigation, but that they've received no response from him.

Once the toast of British theatre, now Spacey seems to have gone to ground, hiding from the claims against him.

The theatre itself says it "apologises wholeheartedly to the people who told us that they've been affected."

Reading out a statement on the theatre's behalf, its executive director Kate Varah said: "We've learnt that it's not enough to have the right process in place, everyone needs to feel able to speak out, no matter who they are.

"Much has changed at the Old Vic in recent years and we will continue to work and to model and safeguard the open culture that we want the old Vic to be known for."

It would seem that open culture needs to extend way beyond the walls of the Old Vic. Misuse of power within film and theatre seems to be a problem that's systemic.