Author Ari Behn has died, marking the third passing in 2019 of a person who publicly accused actor Kevin Spacey of sexual misconduct or assault.

The 47-year-old, who was previously married to Norwegian princess Martha Louise, died by suicide on Christmas Day, family spokesman Geir Håkonsund told CNN: "It is with great sadness in our hearts that we, the very closest relatives of Ari Behn, must announce that he took his own life today," the statement read. "We ask for respect for our privacy in the time to come."

His death comes two years after he spoke openly on a Norwegian radio station about an alleged encounter with Spacey that transpired when the actor hosted a Nobel Prize concert.

"I have a little #MeToo story about Kevin Spacey," Behn said in late 2017, becoming one of the 15 individuals to come forward with disturbing claims against Spacey. "We were having a nice chat where we spoke about theater and drama, and the little theater, the Wick, a theater in London. We had a good conversation sitting beside each other. After five minutes he said 'Hey, let's go out and have a cigarette,' then he grabbed me under the table right in the balls."

PHOTOS: Ari Behn with his ex and children

Behn was one of the more high-profile people to speak up about Spacey; many of his other accusers were anonymous, including several "House of Cards" staffers, and at least one accuser was underage.

Earlier this year, Spacey whistleblower Linda Culkin died at 59 after being struck by a car. Months later, a massage therapist who accused Spacey of sexual battery and assault also died suddenly.

The criminal case against Spacey has all but dried up: Los Angeles prosecutors shut down the sexual battery case after the accuser died, and separately, Massachusetts prosecutors have dropped the criminal case related to an incident with a then-teenager.

Spacey seemingly considers himself in the clear and has recently released videos teasing his return to the spotlight. "The next time someone does something you don't like, you can go on the attack," he says in one clip. "But you can also hold your fire and do the unexpected. You can ... kill them with kindness."

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Behn and Princess Martha wed in 2002 and separated in 2016. They shared three daughters: Maud, 16, Leah, 14, and Emma, 11.The Norwegian King and Queen also released a statement about their former son-in-law, calling him an "important part of our family for many years, and we carry warm, fond memories of him."

"We are grateful that we got to know him," the statement continued. "We grieve that our grandchildren have now lost their beloved father — and have deep compassion for his parents and siblings, who have now lost their beloved son and brother.”