A Massachusetts judge on Monday denied actor Kevin Spacey’s request to skip his arraignment on charges that he allegedly sexually assaulted an 18-year-old man at a Nantucket bar in 2016, court documents show. Spacey faces a felony charge for the alleged assault. Defendants are required to appear for court arraignments unless their appearance is waived by a judge, according to Massachusetts court officials. “I am requesting that this court excuse my physical presence at the arraignment as I reside out-of-state and believe that my presence will amplify the negative publicity already generated in connection with this case,” Spacey’s affidavit read. The actor also said he plans to plead not guilty to the felony sex assault charge. Spacey’s arraignment is set for 11 a.m. ET on Jan. 7 in Nantucket District Court.