Kevin Spacey Assault Claims: Actor Reaches Settlement with Old Vic Theatre
Ruari Cannon, an actor who waived his right to anonymity, has agreed to an out-of-court settlement with the Old Vic theatre in London over allegations of sexual assault by Kevin Spacey. The settlement was reached without any admission of liability, and the precise terms remain confidential. This development comes as part of ongoing legal proceedings involving Spacey, who has consistently denied all allegations against him.
Details of the Allegations and Settlement
Cannon claimed that Spacey assaulted him on two separate occasions: once at a theatre after-party held at the Savoy hotel and another time at the Old Vic's theatre bar. These incidents allegedly occurred during Spacey's tenure as artistic director at the Old Vic. In a statement, the Old Vic emphasised that the settlement was mutually agreed upon to avoid the costs and impact of continued litigation, with no further comments to be made by either party.
Background on Kevin Spacey's Legal Troubles
Kevin Spacey, an Oscar-winning actor known for roles in American Beauty and The Usual Suspects, faced significant career fallout after sexual assault accusations first emerged in 2017. He was dropped from the TV drama House of Cards and removed from the film All the Money in the World. In 2023, Spacey was found not guilty of sexual offences in a criminal trial at Southwark Crown Court, but civil lawsuits continue to pursue him.
Ongoing High Court Cases and Legal Developments
Despite the settlement with the Old Vic, Ruari Cannon is continuing to sue Kevin Spacey directly at the High Court in London. Two other individuals, who testified in Spacey's 2023 criminal trial, are also pursuing civil claims against him. One complainant alleges assault while working as a driver, and another claims he woke up to find Spacey assaulting him after visiting his flat. Spacey denies any non-consensual contact with these men.
In a recent legal move, lawyers for the three men requested the High Court to allow evidence from seven other accusers, including one allegation dating back to the 1970s. They argued that all three cases should be heard together rather than in separate trials. A judge has deferred a decision on this matter, with trials scheduled to begin in November.
The settlement with the Old Vic marks a significant step in the broader legal saga, highlighting the complexities and ongoing nature of the allegations against Kevin Spacey. As the High Court cases proceed, further developments are expected to unfold in the coming months.
