Actor Kevin Spacey has reached a confidential settlement agreement with three men who accused him of sexual assault, effectively halting civil trials that were scheduled to begin at London's High Court later this year. The settlement, ordered by Mrs Justice Lambert on March 13, 2026, pauses all further legal proceedings against the Oscar-winning actor.
Details of the Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The three claimants include Ruari Cannon, who has waived his right to anonymity, and two others who remain unnamed. They alleged that Mr Spacey abused them on various occasions between 2000 and 2015, with the incidents reportedly occurring after they met the Hollywood star through his role as artistic director at London's Old Vic theatre. Mr Spacey has consistently denied all allegations.
Connection to Previous Criminal Trial
Two of the claimants were complainants who provided evidence during Mr Spacey's high-profile 2023 criminal trial in London, where the now 66-year-old actor was acquitted of all nine sex offences relating to four different men. The civil cases were separate legal actions seeking damages rather than criminal penalties.
The Settlement Order and Confidential Terms
Mrs Justice Lambert's order stated: 'Upon the parties having agreed to the terms of settlement as set out in the confidential schedule.' It continued: 'By consent, it is ordered that all further proceedings against the defendant in these actions be stayed upon the terms set out in this order and in the confidential schedule.' The judge made no order regarding legal costs, and the specific terms of the settlement remain strictly confidential with no details made publicly available.
Separate Settlement with Old Vic Theatre
Ruari Cannon had also been pursuing legal action against the Old Vic theatre itself, claiming that Mr Spacey assaulted him in 2013 during an event related to the production of Tennessee Williams's play Sweet Bird of Youth. Earlier this month, Mr Cannon reached a separate settlement with the theatre. An Old Vic spokeswoman confirmed: '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.'
Impact on Spacey's Career and Public Statements
The allegations have significantly impacted Mr Spacey's career over the past decade. The actor, who won Oscars for American Beauty and The Usual Suspects, was dropped from the television drama House of Cards and removed from the film All the Money in the World after initial sexual assault allegations emerged. In 2024, ahead of a Channel 4 documentary about the allegations, Mr Spacey 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. I've never told someone that if they give me sexual favours, then I will help them out with their career, never.'
The settlement represents a significant development in the long-running legal saga surrounding the actor, though the confidential nature of the agreement means the full resolution remains private between the parties involved.
