Kevin Spacey is confronting fresh allegations of sexual abuse stretching back five decades in a newly filed civil lawsuit, which claims he first committed an assault while still in high school. The 66-year-old actor faces accusations from three men who contend that he abused his status as a Hollywood figure to target vulnerable young individuals.
The High Court recently heard that these alleged incidents began during Spacey’s time at Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles, long before he became widely known for his acting career. This civil case involves multiple claimants seeking damages for abuse they say unfolded over many years.
Details and Timeline of Alleged Incidents Presented in Court
According to the court proceedings, the earliest claim dates back to 1976, involving an accusation that Spacey groped a male driver while they were both at Chatsworth High School. This man is among seven witnesses expected to give evidence during the forthcoming civil trial, scheduled for later this year in the High Court.
Spacey denies all allegations leveled against him. Previously, in 2023, he was acquitted at Southwark Crown Court of several predatory sex assault charges that were related to his tenure as artistic director of London’s Old Vic Theatre.
Despite that criminal acquittal, this new civil claim relates to the same complainants who had previously sought compensation exceeding £30,000 before the criminal trial.
Accusations Span Several Decades and Various Victim Profiles
The High Court was told that Spacey allegedly exploited his celebrity status to prey on young men by attempting inappropriate physical contact or forcing them to engage in similar acts over many years. Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC, the solicitor representing the claimants, stated during a pre-trial review that grooming was involved in some cases, with Spacey reportedly providing gifts before the assaults, which often occurred unexpectedly.
Claims include assaults on young actors, massage therapists, and a driver beginning in the late 1990s and continuing into the 2000s. For example, in 1998, it is alleged that Spacey exposed himself and groped an unpaid film intern while starring in a major movie, followed by a sex act in front of another young actor the same year.
Between 2000 and 2005, one claimant, working as a driver, said Spacey repeatedly grabbed his genitals and smacked his buttocks while unloading luggage. Another man reported being drugged and sexually assaulted at Spacey’s flat in 2008, an event that reportedly destroyed his acting career due to the resulting trauma and substance abuse problems.
Although Spacey was found not guilty of this assault in the earlier criminal trial, the man’s civil compensation case is proceeding.
Separate claims include allegations by two massage therapists who say they were abused during sessions with Spacey, and another claim of unwanted touching by an intern in 2008.
Public Revelations and Legal Developments
Ruari Cannon, one of the claimants who has waived anonymity, alleges Spacey groped him at a party in 2013 following his appearance in Tennessee Williams’ play Sweet Bird of Youth at the Old Vic, where Spacey served as artistic director from 2004 to 2013. The last alleged assault happened during the filming of House of Cards between 2013 and 2018.
Spacey did not attend the hearing at the High Court. While the actor has openly admitted to “bad behaviour” and occasionally being “too handsy,” he strongly denies accusations of sexual assault or coercion. Ahead of a Channel 4 documentary addressing these allegations, Spacey said 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
The Old Vic’s Position and Next Steps in the Case
An Old Vic spokeswoman confirmed that the theatre reached an out-of-court settlement with one claimant, Ruari Cannon, without admitting liability. The spokeswoman 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.” – Old Vic spokeswoman
The civil case against Kevin Spacey remains ongoing, with the High Court expected to hear detailed testimonies and evidence from several witnesses and survivors over the coming months.
