A settlement has been reached between actor Ruari Cannon and the Old Vic theatre regarding allegations of sexual assault against Kevin Spacey, marking a significant development in a series of legal battles stemming from accusations against the Oscar-winning actor. The out-of-court agreement, finalized on Tuesday, brings a close to one facet of the ongoing legal fallout from the allegations that first surfaced in 2017, though Cannon’s personal lawsuit against Spacey continues.
The case centers on claims made by Cannon, who waived his right to anonymity, alleging assault by Spacey during his tenure as artistic director of the Old Vic. Specifically, Cannon alleged incidents occurred at a theatre after-party at the Savoy Hotel and at the Old Vic’s theatre bar. Spacey has consistently denied these allegations. The settlement’s terms remain confidential, according to a joint statement released by both parties, but the Old Vic confirmed the agreement was reached “without any admission of liability,” acknowledging the costs and potential impact of continued litigation. This case is part of a broader pattern of accusations that derailed Spacey’s career, leading to his removal from projects like House of Cards and All the Money in the World.
Details of the Settlement and Ongoing Legal Action
The Old Vic stated, “Ruari Cannon and The Old Vic have reached a mutually agreed out-of-court settlement, the precise terms of which are confidential.” The theatre further emphasized that the settlement was a pragmatic decision, made “having regard to the costs and impact on all parties of continuing litigation.” This resolution addresses Cannon’s claim against the Old Vic specifically, but does not resolve the separate legal action he is pursuing directly against Spacey in the High Court of London. Two other individuals, who previously provided evidence in Spacey’s 2023 criminal trial – where he was acquitted of sexual offenses – are as well currently suing the actor.
The allegations brought by these anonymous complainants detail separate incidents of alleged assault. One alleges assault while working as a driver for Spacey, while the other recounts an incident following a visit to Spacey’s flat after meeting at the Old Vic, with the complainant stating they have no recollection of events leading to an alleged assault. Spacey continues to deny any non-consensual contact with these individuals. The Guardian reports that lawyers representing the three claimants are seeking to present evidence from seven additional individuals alleging similar behavior by Spacey, some dating back to the 1970s.
Broader Implications and Court Proceedings
The legal team representing Cannon and the other two plaintiffs argued in a High Court hearing on Tuesday that the testimonies of these seven additional accusers would demonstrate a pattern of behavior and strengthen their cases. They requested that all three cases be heard together to streamline the proceedings. A judge has indicated a decision regarding the admissibility of this additional evidence and the consolidation of the cases will be made at a later date. The trials are currently scheduled to initiate in November.
This case underscores the ongoing legal and reputational challenges facing Kevin Spacey following the initial wave of allegations in 2017. While acquitted in a UK criminal trial, the civil lawsuits continue to unfold, potentially impacting his ability to resume a full acting career. The outcome of these civil cases could set a precedent for similar allegations in the entertainment industry and beyond.
The legal proceedings are expected to continue, with the next key checkpoint being the judge’s decision on the admissibility of additional witness testimony and the potential consolidation of the cases. The November trial dates loom as a critical juncture in these ongoing legal battles.
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