Douglas Murray and Kevin Spacey: what Shakespeare can teach us about cancel culture | SpectatorTV

Douglas Murray introduces Kevin Spacey’s recital of a scene from William Shakespeare’s Timon of Athens. His performance was part of an annual series of free lectures in honour of Sir Roger Scruton, hosted in the Sheldonian Theatre at Oxford University.
'In an era of cancellation and defenestration we sometimes forget that we both cannot go on like this and that we have been here before. We know this because our greatest writers and artists have addressed this question in their own times. When Roger was going through his own battle with the shallows I often thought of Shakespeare's rarely performed but great play Timon of Athens. Timon has the whole world before him. He is surrounded by friends and admirers. He is generous to all. Yet he falls on hard times and when he does absolutely everybody deserts him. He is left with nothing and nobody, and risks being filled with despair and rage. It does not help that he is shadowed by the cynical philosopher Apemantus, who has warned him that just such a desertion might occur.'
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[@williamphillips1806]

What a beautiful gesture from Douglas Murray who not only says stand up for your friends especially when they are right but also puts his money where his mouth is!

[@Elerad]

I've spoken with a number of people about their thoughts on Mr. Spacey, and explained why I've moved past the accusations against him and come to appreciate his work again. They're honestly shocked by this, and don't care that he's been found not guilty in every trial. To them, he is guilty by reason of accusation, and that is sadly a state of mind I see with increasing frequency. As for me, I'm glad to see him again. I was always a huge fan of the man's work.

[@hilarymiseroy]

Nobody did more to damage Spacey's career than Ridley Scott. I bet he hasn't apologised.

[@UndrState]

I never believed the stories about him . Fame is it's own curse .

[@brettharter143]

I know someone whos been chased around a hotel room by a robed coked up stacey

[@OddityDK]

@@brettharter143 Even if that was true, being kinky isn't a crime.

[@nibornnyw3185]

Who's stacey?

[@gregsmith7949]

"I am sick of this false world, and love it not!" What a great ending line.

[@andrew7008]

It's been stuck in my head the last week. So good

[@drpaul4296]

A powerful and courageous performance from a brilliant actor who has never been found guilty of anything. Well done to both men.

[@Dapryor]

That’s an interesting way to say it.

[@Tracey-zr5do]

Yep, can't beat a good actor.

[@Rya_N33]

Ya but it’s weird how 2 of them ended up dying right?

[@Deedsofwill]

​@@Rya_N33totally unrelated.

[@samcad-ho3ze]

You can tell Kevin meant every word of that. Already iconic.

[@o00nemesis00o]

He's an actor. He is paid to sound convincing.

[@saltburner2]

Because he had lived every word of it!

[@ChipnDale96]

​@@o00nemesis00oSure as actors we're to convince you of being the character, but this monologue clearly spoke to him more than anything, especially with how his life has gone. It's whole point of him being there in the first place

[@davetaylor812]

What a great friend Douglas must be, well done sir for sticking to your beliefs and friends.

[@Hollis_has_questions]

I don't have a Public Voice to be heard by the crowds, but I never abandoned you, neither Douglas Murray nor Kevin Spacey. One is one of my favorite actors, the other my favorite public conscience. Whether it be by The Madness of Crowds or The Ref, I've always loved you for what you do best. You represent us at our best. And I've always despised Cancel Culture for what it does best. It represents us at our worst.

[@UgodF]

What a treat to see Kevin Spacey perform again. Thank you, Douglas

[@milobell5525]

Welcome back Mr Spacey. You were missed.

[@Marigold976]

Please always stand up for your friends, especially when they are right. Well said

[@Archimusik]

Well done, Douglas. I'm assuming that you were responsible for Mr. Spacey's appearance at this event and I thank you for that. Someone who has been acquitted at every public forum in which he's defended himself deserves an opportunity to re-enter society. It pained me that we lost - for a time - one of our greatest living actors. I hope he is allowed to reclaim his rightful place.

[@theoutsider6191]

Sadly being found not guilty will have no effect on the Hollywood attitudes.

[@MTMF.london]

@@theoutsider6191 There are hypocrites everywhere.

[@magdalenas8713]

Well put

[@Raven44453]

​@theoutsider6191 That's because Hollywood is where the most guilty reside and they welcome only their own

[@MsElke11]

I wonder if his last series the HOUSE OF CARDS was just too close to the reality of the WASHINGTON DC elites and the CLintons. The swamp wanted to cancel the show so they canceled SPACEY instead!!

[@mysterio370]

Kevin Spacey's latest absence in acting will remain as an irreparable dent in culture . Good to have you back Sir. Justice prevails!

[@BodyOpt]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWjapYtnpsh8qpI

[@royjacobs1204]

Douglas Murray is what every Englishmam should strive to be.

[@ileanamuntean7338]

....and even any gentleman from other countries.

[@royjacobs1204]

@@ileanamuntean7338 well yes, but you'll never quite master it 😊

[@josefowler5332]

He's a scot

[@innes2819]

please no

[@Alfred5555]

Surely a Brit, who speaks English, and wears an English suit and trousers, is an English gentleman, even if he is Scottish.@@josefowler5332

[@normansidey5258]

Yet another reason to admire Douglas Murray, his loyalty matches hi intellect, his integrity and honesty are like a beacon in these oh so troubled times.

[@mrbear8462]

Kevin Spacey did not run away from the mass of accusations and hugely noisy prurient media outrage, as he might have done, to the US or elsewhere. He chose to stay in the UK and go through due legal process. He did this with much dignity. Found innocent, he deserves to refound his career and be successful again.

[@BodyOpt]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWjapYtnpsh8qpI

[@andrewmogg591]

11 minutes well spent. Thanks Spectator.

[@lorin80]

This heartens me much. Too often this world destroys others and it is upsettin. As Spacey read this speech, i could tell that this wasnt just a performance from a play by Shakespeare, this was a speech, for himself, his passion, his anger, his plea, his life. I hope the world will soon accept and bring him back here, to where he belongs- the stage. A brilliant and wonderful mind- a great actor. Spacey you were TRULY missed.

[@Missmambo12]

I’m glad to see Kevin given a voice. He’s had a hell of a time and the jury found him innocent, so that’s the ruling and he should be able to detail the experience.

[@calgarycanada248]

You call " acting " or should I say "smachting " THE WORST translation of Mr. Shakespeare " the ability to detail his experience " IF Spacey was being REAL he would speak IN HIS OWN WORDS.... not hide behind prose. BTW... a prose that was beyond T.H.E.A.T.R.I.C.A.L it was sheer Chutzpah.

[@mr.horrorchild4094]

Dude, you have issues

[@stevenrussell2280]

Acquitted ≠ innocent.

[@mr.horrorchild4094]

@@stevenrussell2280 in our legal system acquitted means the accused could not be found guilty. This doesn't mean they are innocent but neither does being found not guilty.

[@danceswithcomicbooks7733]

​@@mr.horrorchild4094so basically in your world people are guilty if you want them to be. Gross

[@nickleach3570]

Douglas, you're such a legend, and fantastic to see Kevin Spacey back, back where he belongs, acting, and commanding the stage like only he can!

[@mariask6906]

Exquisite art; the talk and the performance. Thanks to Douglas Murray, Kevin Spacey and Sir Roger Scruton for his legacy, which these lectures are part of.

[@DavidBrantley-hx7yk]

Powerful. Glad you’re back Kevin. One of the best actors we’ve seen. Despicable how Hollywood and the Media have treated you.

[@BodyOpt]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWjapYtnpsh8qpI

[@Arcanine1995]

Glad to see Kevin Spacey back on his feet :)

[@priestofpartagas]

Oh, what a treat! Most grateful for Douglas Murray, Kevin Spacey and The Spectator. Many thanks for sharing this exquisite piece of culture. 👏👏👏

[@pilroberts6185]

Then out spake brave Horatius
The Captain of the gate ‘To every man upon this earth
 Death cometh soon or late
And how can man die better
 Than facing fearful odds, For the ashes of his fathers, And the temples of his Gods' -Thomas Babington Macauley; The Lays of Ancient Rome Not Shakespeare but kind of hits the mark I'm aiming for today...

[@Dantegrey1]

How wonderful to see the great Kevin Spacey again!

[@iamthe80s49]

You've missed the point entirely.

[@paulgrant666]

nope, was found innocent at every trial@@jackj5368

[@OddityDK]

@@jackj5368 No he wasn't. I'm not surprised you missed that though. The press and social media puts much more effort into ruining people than clearing their name.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

There's a reason Why we Still read Shakespeare after 400 years and 400 years in the future we still will.

[@saltburner2]

After watching most of Shakespeare's plays at the RSC when it was still based in the Barbican, I concluded that the message of his work could be summed up in one word: Redemption.

[@MB-vu3ow]

If the world does not destroy itself.

[@manusha1349]

Douglas Murray is our Frodo, pure of heart and brave enough to carry the One Ring (of Wokeism) and throw it into the fires of Mt Doom. We love you Douglas ❤️

[@willmercury]

Oh, how I like this!

[@radiantmessenger3369]

Well put! 👍

[@sunejrgensen8516]

That was a very well put analogy!

[@manusha1349]

@sunejrgensen8516 thank you, Douglas inspires me

[@stephenievee1126]

Maybe you should more differentiate, hm? Yes, cancelling someone based on accusations alone is wrong. Being aware of structural racism and discrimination and fixing this (which being woke simply means) is not wrong. It is vital! But to those, who are not Women or Gay, Trans, Inter or simply Bi, to those who are not People of Colour or Asian, to those this is an effort, because they are not affected by discrimination or racism. So if you are against being woke, you might want to look closer, because what hinders those with the stronger arm, to discriminate against old people soon? And then, one day it might be you, who is discriminated against.

[@kittykat5908]

We LOVE YOU, Kevin! We always have and always will stand by you. We are hard pressed to think of a more talented contemporary actor. We were robbed of the delight of watching you perform in the recent years, and we are cheering you back wholeheartedly!

[@paulhaube]

Ah! A jewel of a performance. Thank you and glad to have enjoyed Mr Spacey’s acting.

[@magsarmstrong3674]

Douglas, thank you for being a voice reason in the world's madness and big thanks for putting Kevin front and centre. The best 11 minutes of my week and I look forward to more.

[@jimmurphy4083]

Excellent speech, excellent recital , two incredible people.

[@billaball3]

Spacey is not an incredible person. He's an incredible actor, not a person.

[@JohnWilliams-iw6oq]

Incredibly talented man and my hat off to Douglas Murray, a man of principles that he lives by.

[@casualgamer3689]

He was crying when they stood up, this must have been very emotional for him.

[@dukecity7688]

I'm old from South Boston. I wish I could get people to listen to Douglas. He helps to give me the words that I need to keep defending reality.

[@jonroads8281]

This was awesome. Spacey has always been one of my favourite actors, he really nails this delivery.

[@tyroneharris2790]

Kevin used his acting talent to help drive his passion & meaning to that speech...Hats off to him and Douglas.

[@zoobee]

Douglas seems incredibly emotional giving this speech. Douglas loved Sir Roger so much

[@andrewcolquhoun3478]

I think he has a cold. I sympathize, my rose is running more than Usain Bolt at the moment.

[@tsundoku97]

My hair are standing ! Goosebumps. What a brilliant actor ! The command he has.

[@tcn0199]

It’s nice to be reminded that there are still a few adults in the room.

[@hmtqnikitashakur3399]

I could listen to Douglas all day

[@jasminealixandranorth]

And night! 😊

[@Anicius_]

​@@jasminealixandranorthare you an owl and a person at the same time

[@lisam4120]

What a delight to see Kevin Spacey again! I’m sorry for what you went through, and justice prevailed. Always been on your side sir.

[@BodyOpt]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWjapYtnpsh8qpI

[@rorycellan1961]

Douglas is a national treasure.

[@gumbycat5226]

What a surprise, a man who lives by his principles and is prepared to face the approbation of the tut-tutters.

[@lilianebernadoy2766]

He recitated Shakespeare ! Point.

[@ValeriaPugliesiWashington]

What a treat watching Douglas Murray presenting Shakespeare by Kevin Spacey under the name of Roger Scruton.

[@AvaT42]

It is so good to see Kevin spacey again, he is such a good actor!!

[@stephencollinson2334]

Douglas, what a powerful act that was, thank you. This man has been treated disgracefully. I see no queue of repentant accusers asking his forgiveness. No cheque writers for his lost income. Thank you again.

[@tiffanie7139]

Wow, that had me in tears. He needs to come back!❤

[@MP-ye6tv]

crying on the inside to watch the return of this humble, noble, gifted man, he suffered much at the hands of nefarious liars, never forget innocent until proven guilty ❤

[@genboutin5768]

How many of his accusers ended up dead in suspicious circumstances? Convenient. Praise of Spacey here makes me sick.

[@sarahwagland1559]

I was crying on the outside. There are so many cruel people salivating ready to pounce and even more who watch from a safe distance when they could do something or even excitedly point the finger.

[@benp4877]

Two of my favorite guys at their best. Not a collaboration I saw coming, but one I most heartily applaud.

[@paulybassman7311]

As Kevin was deserted by so many during such trying times, so apt that he present this. A Legend in his own lifetime, an indeed beyond. Heart felt thanks for this Douglas and Kevin. ♥

[@lizmorris3280]

Brilliant. Thank you so much to the wonderful Douglas Murray and the best actor in the world, Kevin Spacey. I long to see you on stage again Kevin.

[@scammergammer]

Bravo and I pray this is the comeback of Kevin that we need!

[@ruthvanita6368]

What a moving speech by the wonderful Douglas Murray. "Most friendship is feigning," Shakespeare wrote, but in so saying, left space for the few that are not. And what a brilliant rendition by Kevin Spacey. Much as he has suffered, it is something to have a friend like Murray.

[@Musiclover-uo2oi]

Douglas Murray is a man of true character who stands by his friends, especially those who have not been found guilty of ANY of the crimes they’re accused of. This was beautiful to watch! Kevin Spacey is a true legend.

[@sx0lx012]

Kevin is such a master and Douglas is a true British Nobleman.

[@lisafaser6031]

Wow-absolute chills while watching Spacey.

[@margaretvanson3601]

What a good man and wonderful friend you are Douglas Murray. Kevin, what a wonderful performance. For what it's worth I never, never believed your accusers. They were up to something, but it wasn't the cause of Justice.

[@HitchcockBrunette]

WE MISS YOU GREATLY, KEVIN!!! You are way too good for Hollywood, no matter what happens. Kudos to Douglas Murray who has the backbone to stand up for his friends and his art. I stand by Mr Spacey. One of the true GREATS. It makes me sick to see how he’s been treated.

[@PhilBaird1]

Powerful stuff. Roger would be so proud. Thankyou Douglas and thankyou Kevin for your magnificent reading.

[@djm5310]

Thank you Douglas Murray

[@MariaTorres-hc5uq]

The only actor who would take me back to a movie theatre.

[@MarkJones-gt2qd]

I just can't like and admire Douglas any more than this. Spacey is also a treasure.

[@nibornnyw3185]

Your friends... you won't know if they are really friends until you go through a disaster.

[@susanmullin4701]

Standing up for truth and friends so important. Amazing. Thank you.

[@HamilcarBarca-jm3ey]

I never get tired of listening to this gentleman. Always relevant.

[@maggiemondo7459]

Have just become a Douglas Murray fan for standing up for justice and right mindedness in his support for a man who has been cleared of any wrongdoing on both sides of the Pond.

[@andrew7008]

One of the best quality-per-minute videos I've ever seen. Bravo

[@joeletaxi821]

Judged by a jury of his peers and found not guilty. That's good enough for me.

[@JustAboutTime]

Glorious. Personally I’ve always been a fan of Kevin and never had any doubts of him. I saw, as anyone with a functioning brain would, right through this most obvious ‘me too’ing that was going on at the time. Of course my opinion means nothing in the wider world .. but I am delighted to see him back and and very glad Douglas Murray did this for him.

[@hairzilla]

Despite Kevins innocence the damage has been done which is a crying shame. I miss his talent and would love to see him restored

[@jamesgornall5731]

If they can accept back Alec Baldwin who literally shot a young woman to death, I think Spacey might be in with a chance

[@cspace1234nz]

@@jamesgornall5731 ...yeah I don't know. Shooting and killing someone on set by accident is one thing, albeit extremely careless, anything to do with sexual allegations and crimes seems to carry with it a stigma that one is seldom forgiven of, even if that one has been proven innocent. It's terribly unfair but that seems to be how it is.

[@jamesgornall5731]

@@cspace1234nz what he was accused of is far less than what people like Zeffirelli used to get up to with young lads, just ask the director Bruce Robinson, and that's the top of the iceberg of actual people committing actual rape of young boys. Spacey was subjected to all this for a cash grab and thankfully, for once, it failed

[@chrisbfreelance]

Yeah once you are deemed a sex pest, you better hope you have some money in the bank because you will never bounce back to the same heights.

[@saltburner2]

@@chrisbfreelance I'm old enough to remember when Sir John Gielgud was charged in the Chelsea Magistrates Court for an offence of importuning in 1953. He thought his career was over, but his friends, including Dame Sybil Thorndyke, stood by him. When he appeared on stage that night, he was given a standing ovation. Let us hope that today's audiences can be as generous in their acceptance of Kevin, who was actually cleared. Johnny pleaded guilty and received a small fine. The Home Secretary, Sir David Maxwell Fyfe, was a fervent homophobe and urged the police to step up their fight against this 'terrible evil'. The message of Timon of Athens is as relevant today as ever. Well done, Douglas and Kevin. Shakespeare had it right.

[@directinprint]

Ashamed of myself - I didn’t know that Mr. Spacey was found innocent. It makes sense though… I’m in Canada. Every American I ask if they’ve heard about all the children supposedly buried under the residential schools have heard about this horrible thing. Not a single one of them has heard that not a single body was ACTUALLY found. They’ve found old septic areas. God bless you in your strength mr spacey!!! Play on!!! ❤❤❤

[@Matiyahu]

I just came from this talk. Absolutely wonderful. Well done, Douglas and Kevin.

[@pinda6402]

I just came from the talk as well. I think everyone was absolutely shook about what just happened 😂. Still can't get over it

[@alanrobertson3172]

Did you not know Spacey was going to be there ?

[@scg7092]

I wanted to go, but have been sick at home for a week. Such a shame! I am so grateful, it was recorded and published.

[@Matiyahu]

@@alanrobertson3172 It was a complete suprise as far as I know. When Douglas said "Kevin Spacey" and sat down, I think half of us expected to see Spacey appear on the screen or something. Pretty cool. :)

[@gillmacnamee6148]

Myself and a friend drove 2 hours to get to this talk and were held up by traffic. we arrived 15 minutes late and alongside others who suffered the same fate, were not allowed entry. it was sickening and now we know why!

[@DonMurrayYT]

Yup. That’s who we are. Try cancelling that. Thank you gentlemen.

[@enragedkaiser237]

Bravo Mr. Murray and Mr. Spacey! The world needs to aweken from this societal curse.

[@elementblue780]

Lol at all the professional victims who blame pretend cancel culture for all their problems.

[@markoarcabic]

This was wonderful, thank you

[@Luke-mr4ew]

I am not a thesbo by any stretch of the imagination, but holy shit - Kevin Spacey glued me to the screen. A master of his craft, and targeted by the talentess of course.

[@atlarge2621]

Douglas Murray great thinker, great orator and totally adorable with the snuffles. Majorly triggering my mummying intincts ❤

[@VictoryThroughChrist88]

There is no Greater love then a man who lies down his life for his friend. This Gentlemans Lee whos modest buid and charismatic yet assertive voice, Commamds the gratest of respect and will not settle for mediocrity in his country.

[@josephinamaljar9416]

Wow! Goosebumps and tears. Good on you, Mr. Spacey! INNOCENT until proven guilty! Mr Murray you are a treasure, and a man with a tender heart. I respect you so much. God bless you both.

[@susanstevenson9619]

Powerful x thanks to Douglas Murray for speaking truth. Thank you Mr Spacey for accepting the invitation. You are a brilliant artist and an unforgettable talent x

[@littleitalyblogspot]

DM's loyalty here is touching.

[@JamesMolyneux62]

That warms the heart and projects hope “in this false world” 3 great humans involved here

[@jackspencer8290]

BRAVO, Mr. Spacey. Thank you, Mr. Murray.

[@dawnstone610]

Completely moved to tears.

[@patricktalley4185]

Spectacular! Thank you Messrs. Murray, Spacey, Olivier, and Shakespeare.

[@roygould6964]

Bravo Douglas Murray - Bravo Kevin Spacey.

[@captainchaos7862]

I for one am not lost on the irony of Mr. Spacey's performance of THIS particular material while standing in one of the citadels of "cancel culture"....jolly ole' Oxford U.........

[@sue.F]

Oh my, this brought a tear to my eye.

[@GjpgrD]

I personally know someone who wirked with Kevin, & tho he admired his talent, he said it was widely known on set that if you were an attractive young man, you didn't let yourself get stuck alone in a room with him. And he treated the crew like crap (unless you were an attractive young man). Anthony Rapp didn't ask for money. Harry Dreyfuss didn'r, either. They just felt it important to support the young accusers who didn't have their privilege

[@mistersurrealist]

Spacey may have been acquitted, but he's FAR from innocent. Too many victims, too many "convenient" deaths around this case.

[@Azoria4]

@@mistersurrealistyeah, my thoughts exactly. OJ simpson was acquitted too, doesn’t mean he wasn’t guilty. Ever since seeing the photo of Kevin Spacy with Gislaine Maxwell on the thrones at Buckingham Palace, I’ve thought there’s something off about him.

[@rahuldahoob]

Indeed

[@IjzermanPieter]

Thank you so much. You bring hope.

[@medworakowski101]

This is lovely! Thank you both.

[@cagirl2220]

I am so glad Kevin Spacey has been found innocent both in the UK and the US. He is a true talent and world is a better place when he can act.

[@o00nemesis00o]

How do you explain his response to that teenage boy he was accused of SA-ing in a bar? He didn't say it was not true, he waffled on about his mistakes and said that he pledged from then on to "live as a gay man". Is that not a tacit admission of guilt? That's not even touching on the weird Christmas video address he did when he said that the people accusing him could be killed.......... by kindness. And then not long after, they all bloody well died.

[@cagirl2220]

@@o00nemesis00o I wasn’t following the allegations or his trials. But he has been exonerated in two countries. We can’t just cancel people based on accusations and conspiracy theories. But who was killed? His accusers?

[@saltburner2]

@@cagirl2220 The whole business cost Kevin so much, physically, emotionally and financially. It cost his accusers nothing.

[@doesitmatteryet]

The inability to separate the Art from the Artist that so many have is just ridiculous. I don't care what someone does, is accused of doing, was acquitted of doing, convicted of doing. It has NOTHING to do with my enjoyment of their artistic output. Everyone makes shitty choices, does shitty things, hurts people in one way or another. If i had to choose my entertainment based on being a good human being AND I knew the true soul of each person - I'd probably not have a book, music, a painting or anything else I could enjoy. EVERYBODY SUCKS IN SOME WAY Spend your time bettering your world and less worrying about judging people for being people

[@PapaTony165]

Marvelous. Can’t wait to see his next performance. Welcome back

[@ameliaannhouck2670]

KEVIN SPACY THAT WAS ONE OF THE MOST BRILLIANT PERFORMANCES I HAVE EVER SEEN !! I WAS WEEPING THE ENTIRE TIME!! RESPECT RESPECT ! HE WAS BRILIANT !

[@laurenglass4514]

Sir Roger Scruton was a wonderful person. I don’t have the correct words to explain his view on beauty.

[@mrbensdonair]

Splendid. Thank you Douglas

[@MrGreen-sq4cf]

Simply wonderful.

[@rerite2]

Mr. Murray has been "burning the candle at both ends," lately. Hope he gets some rest.

[@marina_9236]

To be honest he sounds different, nervous or tired... I hope he's well

[@rahuldahoob]

Gangbanged you mean?

[@olucaszb]

It was about time! Welcome back, mr. Spacey.