Kevin Spacey Reaches Settlement in Assault Lawsuits, Avoiding New Trial

Actor Kevin Spacey has avoided a new trial after reaching an out-of-court settlement with three men who accused him of sexual assault. The agreement, revealed by the High Court in London on Wednesday, brings an complete to the civil suit brought against the 66-year-old actor.

Background of the Case

In 2023, Spacey was acquitted of several criminal sexual charges alleged by four men following a trial in London . However, three of the accusers – including actor Ruari Cannon, who waived his right to anonymity – subsequently filed civil suits against him at the High Court.

Cannon alleged 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. He also previously sued the Old Vic theatre, reaching a separate confidential settlement with the venue earlier in March 2026 .

The other two complainants remained anonymous. One alleged assault even as working as a driver and the other claimed to have been assaulted after going to Spacey’s flat following a meeting at the Old Vic .

Terms of the Settlement

The terms of the settlement between Spacey and the three men remain confidential. Judge Christina Lambert had initially ruled the cases should be heard in October, but froze proceedings upon learning of the agreement . The court made no order on costs.

Spacey’s Denial and Career Impact

Spacey has consistently denied all allegations of non-consensual contact. The accusations, which first emerged in 2017 as part of the #MeToo movement, significantly impacted his career, leading to his removal from roles in House of Cards and All the Money in the World .

He won Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for The Usual Suspects (1996) and Best Actor for American Beauty (2000).

Further Legal Proceedings

Lawyers representing the three claimants had sought to introduce evidence from seven other witnesses alleging similar abusive behavior by Spacey when the case went to trial . They also argued that all three cases should be heard together.