MRC Loses Insurance Payout Dispute Over Kevin Spacey’s ‘House of Cards’ Exit
Media Rights Capital (MRC), the production company behind the Netflix series House of Cards, has lost a trial concerning a nine-figure insurance payout related to the show’s sixth season. A Los Angeles jury determined that MRC’s losses were not a direct result of conditions related to Kevin Spacey that prevented him from filming, according to a court filing.
The Dispute: Sickness vs. Scandal
MRC had sought upwards of $100 million from its insurer, Fireman’s Fund, arguing that Spacey’s unavailability stemmed from a “sickness” – specifically, sex addiction. MRC maintained this condition led to his inability to fulfill his contractual obligations. Fireman’s Fund countered that the losses were due to the media fallout following allegations of sexual assault against Spacey. A victory for MRC would have potentially impacted future production insurance coverage.
Timeline of Events
Allegations against Spacey surfaced in November 2017 with a BuzzFeed report detailing decades of alleged sexual abuse and assault. This was followed by a CNN story accusing him of sexually assaulting crew members. Spacey subsequently checked himself into The Meadows, a rehabilitation facility costing $28,000 per month. MRC announced Spacey’s suspension, believing he would be unable to appear in the sixth season.
Spacey’s Testimony and Contested Medical Records
During the trial, Spacey’s legal team asserted that the actor was “available, willing and able to provide all of the services” required under his contract. Spacey testified that he was prepared to film the sixth season but was unfairly removed so producers could file a substantial insurance claim. He disputed findings in his medical records from The Meadows, stating, “Throughout the medical records, there are comments attributed to me that I never said,” and pointing out inaccuracies such as references to a British accent and a wife.
Psychiatric Testimony and Suicide Ideation
Michael Genovese, a psychiatrist and expert witness for MRC, testified that Spacey had contemplated suicide. Genovese recounted that Spacey considered hanging himself the night before entering The Meadows and also contemplated stepping in front of a vehicle while at the facility.
Legal Representation
Lawyers for both MRC and Fireman’s Fund did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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