Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey has been spotted in Oxford, preparing to deliver a lecture that has sparked significant controversy among the university's student body. The 66-year-old was seen leaving a Pret a Manger coffee shop on Monday, accompanied by a man believed to be his manager, ahead of his scheduled appearance at The Oxford Union that evening.
Controversial Invitation Sparks Student Outrage
The decision by The Oxford Union to invite Spacey to speak has reportedly caused outrage among students. A post announcing the event, scheduled for Monday 1st December 2025, ignited debate on campus. One student criticised the move to The Sun, suggesting it was an attempt to generate controversy to stay relevant. Spacey, a two-time Oscar winner famed for roles in American Beauty and House of Cards, has seen his career marked by both critical acclaim and serious allegations.
The actor was acquitted of nine sexual offences relating to four men in 2023. However, he is now set to face a new legal battle. A three-week civil trial at the High Court is scheduled for 2026, where three men are bringing sex assault claims against him.
Details of the Forthcoming High Court Trial
The 2026 trial will involve allegations from three men, who claim Spacey abused them between 2000 and 2015. One of the claimants, Ruari Cannon, has waived his right to anonymity. The other two remain anonymous. All three allege they met the Hollywood star through his former position as artistic director at London's Old Vic Theatre.
All three men are taking legal action against Spacey personally at the High Court, while Mr Cannon is also bringing action against the theatre itself. Spacey denies all allegations. Elizabeth-Ann Gumbel KC, representing the three men, has argued for the cases to be heard together to avoid the need for multiple testimonies.
In a written submission, she stated that a joint hearing would prevent Spacey and the claimants from having to give evidence more than once. "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 said.
Spacey Addresses Speculation Over Living Situation
The Oxford visit comes just days after Spacey used social media to clarify comments about his living arrangements. After remarks about "living in Airbnbs and hotels" prompted speculation he was homeless, the actor posted an Instagram video to set the record straight.
He expressed gratitude to the "thousands of people" who had reached out with offers of accommodation but insisted it would be "disingenuous" to let them believe he was homeless in the colloquial sense. Spacey explained he was "basically living in hotels and Airbnbs and going where the work is," comparing it to his early career. He added that he had been working "nearly nonstop" throughout the year and acknowledged those in genuinely dire financial situations.
Despite the smiling photos from his Oxford stroll, Spacey's future remains under a cloud as he prepares for the significant legal challenge awaiting him in 2026, all while navigating the ongoing controversy surrounding his public appearances.
