Actor Kevin Spacey is confronted with fresh sexual abuse claims dating back five decades, as a civil case alleges his first assault occurred while he was still in high school. The 66-year-old faces accusations from three men who say he exploited his celebrity status in Hollywood to abuse young victims.
The High Court heard today that Spacey’s alleged initial attack happened in 1976 when he was attending Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles, long before his acting career began. This new civil case involves seven men who have come forward as witnesses, with formal claims for damages expected to be heard later this year.
Details Emerge of Alleged Long-Term Abuse Spanning Decades
According to the court, Spacey is accused of using his fame and influence as a successful actor to prey on young men, frequently attempting to kiss or touch them without consent, and often forcing them to engage in inappropriate contact over many years. Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC, representing the men, told the court that the assaults were sometimes preceded by grooming behaviors and gifts given to the victims before the attacks happened unexpectedly.
The accusations span a range of incidents involving young actors, drivers, massage therapists, and interns. For instance, one claim states that Spacey exposed himself and groped an unpaid intern in 1998 while he was starring in a major film. Another alleges that later that year, he performed a sexual act in front of a young actor.
One man reports being assaulted repeatedly while working as Spacey’s driver between 2000 and 2005, including inappropriate touching and groping. Another claims to have been drugged and sexually assaulted at Spacey’s London flat in 2008, an event that allegedly devastated the man’s life and acting career due to trauma, though Spacey was acquitted of this charge in a prior criminal trial.
Additional accusations include two separate claims from massage therapists who allege abuse during sessions and an intern alleging unwanted touching in 2008. Ruari Cannon, one of the claimants who waived anonymity, asserts that Spacey groped him at a party after Cannon appeared in Tennessee Williams’ play Sweet Bird of Youth at the Old Vic Theatre, where Spacey was artistic director from 2004 until 2013.
The last alleged assault relates to Spacey’s time filming House of Cards between 2013 and 2018. Spacey did not attend the High Court hearing today, maintaining prior denials of all wrongdoing.
Background on Previous Legal Proceedings and Statements from Spacey
Kevin Spacey was acquitted in 2023 at Southwark Crown Court of multiple predatory sexual assault charges connected to his tenure at the Old Vic Theatre. However, several of the claimants had already filed civil compensation claims exceeding £30,000, now forming the basis for this separate case in the High Court.
Spacey has acknowledged some past “bad behaviour” with comments about being “too handsy” but has strongly denied ever groping anyone or exchanging career favors for sexual acts. Ahead of a Channel 4 documentary on the allegations, he stated in 2024:
“I take full responsibility for my past behaviour and my actions, but I cannot and will not take responsibility or apologise to anyone who’s made up stuff about me or exaggerated stories about me. I’ve never told someone that if they give me sexual favours, then I will help them out with their career, never.” – Kevin Spacey
Settlement Reached with One Claimant While Litigation Continues
An Old Vic Theatre spokesperson confirmed that the venue has reached a confidential out-of-court settlement with Ruari Cannon, one of the claimants. The settlement was agreed upon without any admission of liability and in consideration of the financial and emotional toll that ongoing legal battles impose on all parties involved.
“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.” – Old Vic spokeswoman
The broader legal case against Spacey regarding these multiple Kevin Spacey sexual abuse claims is ongoing, and the court will continue to hear evidence as proceedings unfold.
