London Theatre Settles High Court Claim with Kevin Spacey Accuser
London's historic Old Vic theatre has reached a confidential out-of-court settlement with actor Ruari Cannon, who alleges he was sexually assaulted by Kevin Spacey in 2013 while Spacey served as the theatre's artistic director. The settlement was announced on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the Hollywood actor.
Details of the Allegations and Settlement
Ruari Cannon, who has waived his right to anonymity, claims the assault occurred at an event related to the production of Tennessee Williams's play Sweet Bird of Youth. Cannon had filed separate legal claims against both Kevin Spacey and the Old Vic. While his case against Spacey continues in the High Court, the theatre has now settled its portion of the claim.
An Old Vic spokesperson stated: "Ruari Cannon and The Old Vic have reached a mutually agreed out-of-court settlement, the precise terms of which are confidential. This settlement has been agreed without any admission of liability, having regard to the costs and impact on all parties of continuing litigation." The spokesperson emphasized that no further comment would be made.
Broader Legal Context and Additional Claims
This settlement occurs amidst multiple legal actions against Kevin Spacey. Two other anonymous men are also pursuing claims against him, with all three alleging abuse between 2000 and 2015. Spacey has consistently denied all allegations. Notably, in 2023, he was acquitted of nine sex offences relating to four men in a separate criminal trial.
During a High Court hearing on Tuesday, Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC, representing the three claimants, revealed that seven additional individuals who allege sexual assault by Spacey wish to give evidence, though they are not bringing formal claims. Gumbel argued that Spacey has "a propensity to sexually assault young men" and that testimony from these witnesses would support this assertion.
In written submissions, Gumbel noted that many of these witnesses worked as young actors, massage therapists, or drivers, placing them in "positions of proximity" to Spacey through their professional roles.
Defence Arguments and Counterclaims
William McCormick KC, representing Kevin Spacey, contested the inclusion of these additional witness allegations. He argued that for such testimony to be relevant, it must directly relate to the specific circumstances of the three main claims. McCormick highlighted one allegation from a man referred to as GHI, who claims Spacey drugged him after a meeting in August 2008 and assaulted him while unconscious.
McCormick stated: "None of the other allegations have any probative force in favour of GHI's allegation. The location, the preceding contact and the nature of the sexual conduct are entirely different. The use of drugs to secure compliance and of the phone to manufacture a defence have no echo in any other allegation."
The hearing, presided over by Mrs Justice Lambert, is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, with further developments expected as the legal proceedings against Spacey continue.
