The Old Vic theatre in London has reached an out-of-court settlement with an actor who alleged he was sexually assaulted by Kevin Spacey while Spacey was the theatre’s artistic director, according to statements released Tuesday.
Ruari Cannon, who has waived his right to anonymity, brought the claim against the Old Vic. The terms of the settlement are confidential, the theatre said in a statement. “This settlement has been agreed without any admission of liability, having regard to the costs and impact on all parties of continuing litigation,” the statement continued. “This statement has been mutually agreed and there will be no further comment.”
Cannon’s legal action against Spacey himself remains ongoing, with a trial scheduled for November. He alleges that Spacey assaulted him at a theatre after-party at the Savoy Hotel, as well as at the Old Vic’s theatre bar on a separate occasion. Spacey has denied the allegations.
The settlement with the Old Vic comes as Spacey faces further legal challenges. Two other anonymous individuals are also suing him in the High Court, alleging sexual assault. One complainant alleges assault while working as a driver, and the other claims to have been assaulted after going to Spacey’s flat following a meeting at the Old Vic. Spacey denies any non-consensual contact with these men.
Lawyers representing the three claimants have indicated they intend to present evidence from seven other individuals alleging similar abusive behavior by Spacey at trial, arguing it demonstrates a pattern of conduct. Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC, representing the trio, told the court Spacey has “a propensity to sexually assault young men,” according to court filings.
Spacey was previously acquitted of nine sex offences relating to four men in July 2023. The current civil lawsuits cover allegations spanning from 2000 to 2015. Judge Christina Lambert is expected to rule at a later date on whether the additional allegations from the seven witnesses will be admissible as evidence in the November trial.
