Kevin Spacey Confronts New Civil Allegations of Sexual Abuse Over Five Decades
Acclaimed actor Kevin Spacey is embroiled in a fresh civil lawsuit at the High Court, facing claims of sexual abuse that allegedly began 50 years ago during his high school years. The 66-year-old Oscar winner is being sued by three men who assert he leveraged his prominent position as a Hollywood star to target young victims.
Allegations Trace Back to High School Era
During a recent pre-trial review, the High Court heard that Spacey's first alleged attack occurred in 1976 while he was a student at Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles. The claim involves an accusation that he groped a male driver, marking the earliest in a series of incidents that span his career. This alleged victim is among seven men who have come forward as witnesses in the civil damages claim, scheduled for a full hearing later this year.
Spacey has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing. In 2023, he was acquitted at Southwark Crown Court of a series of predatory sex attacks linked to his tenure as artistic director of London's Old Vic Theatre between 2004 and 2013. However, this new civil case involves some of the same accusers who had previously filed compensation claims seeking over £30,000 in damages before the criminal trial.
Pattern of Exploitation Alleged
Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC, representing the three claimants, argued in court that Spacey "exploited his power and influence as a successful celebrity" to prey on young men over many years. She described incidents of inappropriate kissing, touching, and forced physical contact. Gumbel noted that in several cases, grooming preceded the assaults, with gifts being offered to the young men, and the attacks often occurred unexpectedly.
The allegations span various professions and decades. In 1998, Spacey is accused of exposing himself and groping an unpaid film industry intern while starring in a blockbuster movie. That same year, he allegedly committed a sex act in front of another young actor. Between 2000 and 2005, a driver claims Spacey assaulted him multiple times, grabbing his penis and smacking his buttocks during luggage handling.
Further Claims and Impact on Victims
Another claimant alleges he was sexually assaulted in 2008 after being drugged at Spacey's flat, leading to severe trauma, alcohol and drug dependency, and the ruin of his acting career. Although Spacey was acquitted of this specific allegation in the criminal trial, the civil compensation claim is proceeding. Additional accusations come from two massage therapists who report abuse during sessions, and a witness who says he was touched while working as an intern in 2008.
Ruari Cannon, one of the claimants who has waived anonymity, asserts that Spacey groped him at a party in 2013 after a performance of Tennessee Williams' play Sweet Bird of Youth at the Old Vic. The final alleged attack reportedly occurred between 2013 and 2018 while Spacey was filming the series House of Cards.
Spacey's Response and Legal Developments
Spacey did not attend the recent High Court hearing. In past statements, he has admitted to "bad behaviour" and being "too handsy" at times but vehemently denies groping men. Ahead of a 2024 Channel 4 documentary on the allegations, he stated, "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." He added that he never linked sexual favours to career assistance.
In a related development, the Old Vic Theatre confirmed it has reached an out-of-court settlement with Ruari Cannon, with terms remaining confidential and no admission of liability. A spokeswoman cited the costs and impact of ongoing litigation as factors in the decision.
The civil case against Kevin Spacey continues, with further proceedings expected as the court examines these longstanding allegations.
