Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey is set to confront civil legal action from three men who allege he sexually assaulted them, with a provisional three-week trial scheduled at the High Court in October 2026.
The Allegations and the Accusers
The claims stem from incidents alleged to have occurred between 2000 and 2015. One of the men, Ruari Cannon, has publicly waived his right to anonymity. The two other claimants have not been named. All three men state they met the 66-year-old Hollywood star through his former role as artistic director at London's renowned Old Vic Theatre.
While all three are pursuing legal action against Mr Spacey at the High Court, Mr Cannon is also bringing a separate claim against the theatre itself. The actor vehemently denies all allegations. This civil case follows his 2023 acquittal on nine criminal sex offences relating to four different men.
Legal Arguments and Court Proceedings
At a recent hearing, Elizabeth-Ann Gumbel KC, representing the three men, argued successfully that their cases should be heard together. In a written submission, she stated that a consolidated trial would prevent both the claimants and Mr Spacey from having to give evidence on multiple occasions.
'If the cases were heard separately, the defendant would need to give evidence in each case and be available for trial on three separate occasions,' she explained. She also noted that the claimants would be witnesses in each other's cases, with additional supporting witnesses called.
Conversely, William McCormick KC, representing Spacey, argued that the case of one man, referred to as LNP, should be heard separately in a county court. He contended that 'on a rational analysis,' the only common feature linking the three claims was the actor himself, describing the circumstances of the alleged assaults as 'markedly different' and occurring 'many years apart.'
The Path Forward
Mrs Justice Lambert, sitting with Judge David Cook, ultimately set the provisional trial window and ruled that all three claims will be case-managed together. This means the similar allegations will be tried at the same time or sequentially by the same judge.
Claire Glasgow of Fieldfisher, the law firm representing the three men, called the ruling 'a good outcome for the claimants.' She added, 'This will hopefully ease some of the stress for our clients.' The court now awaits the formal defence from Mr Spacey regarding the claim brought by LNP.
