The Old Vic theatre in London has resolved a High Court claim filed by actor Ruari Cannon, who alleges that Kevin Spacey sexually assaulted him during Spacey’s time as the theatre’s artistic director. The incident in question is said to have occurred in 2013 at an event linked to the production of Tennessee Williams’s play Sweet Bird Of Youth. Cannon has publicly waived his right to anonymity in the case.
Details of Legal Actions and Settlement
Cannon launched legal proceedings against both Kevin Spacey, who denies all allegations, and the Old Vic. The theatre announced that the claim against it was settled on Tuesday, but the terms of the agreement remain confidential. An Old Vic spokesperson emphasized that the settlement was made without any admission of liability and considered the costs and emotional impact of continuing the litigation.
This statement has been mutually agreed and there will be no further comment.
– Old Vic spokesperson
Additional Claims and Court Proceedings
Alongside Mr. Cannon, two other anonymous men have filed claims against Spacey, all alleging abuse spanning from 2000 to 2015. In a related 2023 case, Spacey was acquitted of nine sex offence charges involving four men. During a High Court hearing before Mrs Justice Lambert, counsel Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC revealed that seven additional individuals who claim to have been assaulted by Spacey wished to provide evidence without pursuing formal claims themselves. However, Spacey’s legal representative, William McCormick KC, argued that such witness evidence should only be admitted if relevant to the specific claims in court.
Ongoing Hearing and Future Implications
The current hearing is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, with the final decisions expected to impact pending claims related to Kevin Spacey’s alleged misconduct at the Old Vic theatre and elsewhere. This settlement and ongoing legal scrutiny underscore the continuing repercussions within the theatre community and beyond.
