The Old Vic theatre in London has resolved a High Court claim filed by Ruari Cannon, an actor who alleges that Kevin Spacey sexually assaulted him while Spacey was the theatre’s artistic director. The claim concerns an incident from 2013 during an event connected to the production of Tennessee Williams’s play Sweet Bird Of Youth.
Mr Cannon, who has waived his right to anonymity, had also brought a separate claim against the Old Vic itself, which was settled on Tuesday. The theatre stated that the settlement was reached through mutual agreement without any admission of liability.
Details of the Settlement and Statements from the Old Vic
An Old Vic spokesperson said,
“Ruari Cannon and The Old Vic have reached a mutually agreed out-of-court settlement, the precise terms of which are confidential.”
They added,
“This settlement has been agreed without any admission of liability, having regard to the costs and impact on all parties of continuing litigation.”
This statement has been mutually agreed and there will be no further comment.
— Old Vic spokesperson
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Additional Claims Against Kevin Spacey
Aside from Mr Cannon’s case, two other men, remaining anonymous, are also pursuing legal action against Kevin Spacey, who continues to deny all allegations of abuse. All three men claim that Spacey sexually abused them between 2000 and 2015.
In 2023, Spacey was acquitted of nine sexual offence charges involving four men. During a High Court hearing on Tuesday, Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC, representing the three claimants, revealed that seven additional individuals allege they were sexually assaulted by Spacey and wish to give evidence without filing formal claims.
William McCormick KC, Spacey’s legal representative, argued that any testimonial evidence from these witnesses must be relevant to the specific circumstances of the primary claimants to be considered.
The hearing, presided over by Mrs Justice Lambert, is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday in London’s High Court.
Significance and Prospects for the Case
The settlement between the Old Vic and Ruari Cannon highlights the ongoing repercussions of Kevin Spacey’s alleged misconduct during his tenure at the theatre. While Spacey denies all accusations, the accumulation of claims and related legal action continue to draw attention to issues of accountability in the entertainment industry.
The High Court’s handling of additional witness testimonies could influence the outcomes for the remaining claimants. As the legal proceedings advance, the case underscores the challenges faced by survivors seeking justice amid complex and widely publicised allegations.
