An actor who accused Kevin Spacey of sexual assault has reached a confidential out-of-court settlement with the Old Vic theatre. The agreement comes amid ongoing legal battles related to allegations connected to Spacey’s time as artistic director at the Old Vic in London.
Ruari Cannon, the actor involved, waived his right to anonymity and said he was assaulted by Spacey at two locations: a post-event gathering at the Savoy hotel and the theatre’s bar on separate occasions. Spacey has consistently denied these claims.
Old Vic’s Statement and Legal Context
The Old Vic released a statement regarding the settlement, emphasizing the mutual agreement and the confidential nature of the terms. They highlighted that the settlement was reached without any admission of liability, citing concerns over the cost and emotional toll of prolonged litigation on all parties involved.
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 Theatre
Background on Kevin Spacey’s Legal Challenges
Kevin Spacey, known for his roles in films like The Usual Suspects and American Beauty, faced a dramatic career shift after sexual assault allegations surfaced in 2017. Following these accusations, he was removed from the hit television series House of Cards and recast in the film All the Money in the World.
Besides Cannon’s case, Spacey faces additional civil claims from two other men connected to his London activities. These men testified during Spacey’s 2023 criminal trial, where he was acquitted of sexual offense charges. One complainant alleges assault during his work as Spacey’s driver, while the other claims an incident occurred at Spacey’s flat after meeting him at the Old Vic.
Upcoming Court Proceedings Involving Multiple Claims
The legal representatives for the three men recently requested that the high court consolidate their cases and hear them together instead of in separate trials. They also sought permission to introduce evidence from seven additional accusations, one of which dates to the 1970s. The judge has yet to decide on this request, with hearings scheduled to begin in November.
Implications for the Industry and Ongoing Accountability
The settlement between Ruari Cannon and the Old Vic highlights the continuing repercussions of historical abuse allegations within the entertainment sector. With multiple lawsuits pending against Kevin Spacey, these cases underscore the challenges institutions face when addressing past misconduct by prominent figures. The outcomes of the forthcoming trials could shape how future claims against influential individuals are handled in the UK’s legal system.
