Kevin Spacey: Old Vic Settles Sexual Assault Claim with Actor Ruari Cannon
London’s Ancient Vic Theatre has reached a settlement with an actor who alleged he was sexually assaulted by Kevin Spacey whereas the actor was artistic director of the venue. The out-of-court agreement, reached on , resolves a claim brought by Ruari Cannon, who has publicly waived his right to anonymity.
Cannon alleged that Spacey assaulted him in at an event connected to a production of Tennessee Williams’s Sweet Bird Of Youth. While the terms of the settlement remain confidential, the Old Vic stated the agreement was reached “without any admission of liability, having regard to the costs and impact on all parties of continuing litigation.”
This settlement addresses only the claim against the Old Vic itself. Cannon’s separate legal action against Spacey is ongoing, as are claims brought by two other anonymous individuals. All three men allege abuse by Spacey occurring between and .
The resolution comes after a complex legal history involving Spacey. In , Spacey was acquitted of nine sex offence charges relating to four men in a high-profile criminal trial in the UK. However, the civil claims brought by Cannon and the two anonymous complainants continue to move forward.
At a recent High Court hearing, lawyers representing the three claimants argued that evidence from seven additional individuals alleging similar abusive behavior by Spacey should be admissible during the trial. Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC, representing the trio, suggested this evidence would demonstrate a “propensity” for such behavior on Spacey’s part. She told the court that these additional witnesses had contacted her firm directly, having had no prior contact with each other or the original claimants.
William McCormick KC, representing Spacey, countered that the relevance of these additional witnesses’ testimonies would need to be established – that each allegation must be directly pertinent to the specific circumstances of the three current cases. The hearing before Mrs Justice Lambert is scheduled to conclude on .
The case highlights the evolving legal landscape surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct, particularly within the entertainment industry. While Spacey was cleared of criminal charges, the civil suits allow the claimants to pursue legal recourse based on a lower burden of proof. The attempt to introduce evidence of a pattern of behavior – even from individuals who haven’t filed their own claims – is a significant aspect of the legal strategy.
The allegations against Spacey first surfaced publicly in , leading to his dismissal from the Old Vic and effectively halting his career. He had served as artistic director of the theatre from to . The current legal battles represent a continued reckoning with the power dynamics and alleged abuses that occurred during his tenure.
The Old Vic’s decision to settle with Cannon, despite maintaining no admission of liability, suggests a desire to move forward and avoid the further scrutiny and expense of a protracted legal battle. The theatre has faced criticism for its handling of the initial allegations and has since implemented new policies aimed at safeguarding actors, and staff.
The outcome of the ongoing civil suits against Spacey could have significant implications for the entertainment industry. A successful outcome for the claimants could embolden other alleged victims to come forward and pursue legal action, while a defense victory could further complicate the path to accountability in cases of sexual misconduct. The judge’s decision regarding the admissibility of the additional witnesses’ testimonies will be a crucial factor in shaping the trajectory of the case.
The fact that Cannon has waived his anonymity is notable, as many victims of sexual assault choose to remain anonymous to protect their privacy. His decision to publicly identify himself underscores the seriousness of his allegations and his determination to seek justice. The two other claimants have, as of this reporting, maintained their anonymity.
The cases continue to draw attention to the broader conversation surrounding sexual harassment and assault in the entertainment industry, and the challenges faced by those who come forward with allegations against powerful figures. The legal proceedings are expected to continue, with the next steps dependent on the court’s ruling regarding the admissibility of the additional evidence.