A Massachusetts judge has denied Kevin Spacey‘s request to skip his arraignment for sexual assault charges brought against him for allegedly groping an 18-year-old bus boy at a bar in 2016.

That means he’s going to have to appear in court on January 7, or risk serious consequences. 

It’s reported that the Oscar winner plans on pleading not guilty, but he still argued in an affidavit that he should be excused from appearing in court because his presence would “amplify the negative publicity already generated in connection with this case.”

The actor’s lawyer added in court documents that his presence would “heighten prejudicial media interest in the case” and increase the risk that jurors will be contaminated.

At this point, over a dozen men (including actor Anthony Rapp, who said Kevin made sexual advances toward him when he was 14) have alleged sexual misconduct.