Ahead of a major civil trial, actor Kevin Spacey has been seen in public at a high-profile London Christmas celebration. The 66-year-old attended broadcaster Piers Morgan's annual festive party on Friday, marking a rare outing amidst ongoing legal battles.
The Legal Landscape: From Acquittal to New Allegations
Spacey's appearance comes as he prepares to face new sex assault claims in a three-week High Court civil trial set for 2026. Three men allege the Hollywood star abused them between 2000 and 2015. One of the claimants, Ruari Cannon, has waived his right to anonymity, while the identities of the other two remain protected.
It is claimed the men met Spacey through his former position as artistic director at London's Old Vic Theatre. All three are taking legal action against Spacey personally, with Mr Cannon also bringing action against the theatre itself. Spacey denies all the allegations.
This follows his acquittal in a 2023 criminal trial, where he was cleared of nine sex offences relating to four other men. Elizabeth-Ann Gumbel KC, representing the three new claimants, argued this week that their cases should be heard together to avoid the need for multiple testimonies.
A Night Out in Kensington
The Christmas party was held at the Scarsdale Tavern in Kensington, London. Spacey arrived beaming in a navy tweed suit and a zip-up sweater. The event was also attended by celebrities including Myleene Klass, Ronan Keating, and Susanna Reid.
This public sighting followed a social media clarification from Spacey earlier in the week, where he addressed speculation about being homeless. In an Instagram video, he stated he was "living in hotels and Airbnbs" due to work commitments, but was not in a dire financial situation, expressing gratitude for his continued employment in the industry.
What Happens Next?
The legal process is now moving towards the 2026 civil trial. The key arguments from the claimants' legal team centre on efficiency, seeking a joint hearing. As Spacey continues to deny the claims, this case promises to keep the controversial actor in the public and legal spotlight for years to come. The outcome of this civil suit will be distinct from his previous criminal acquittal, dealing with different standards of proof and potential liabilities.
