Three separate civil lawsuits accusing Kevin Spacey of sexual assault are set to go before the High Court in London in October 2026, following a preliminary hearing this week. The claims, brought by three different men, allege incidents occurred between 2000 and 2013 — a period overlapping with Spacey’s tenure as artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre.
Allegations from Three Accusers
One of the accusers, named Ruari Cannon, has waived his right to anonymity. He has publicly accused Spacey of groping him at a 2013 afterparty following a performance at the Old Vic. Cannon previously spoke about the incident in the 2024 documentary Spacey Unmasked.
The second claimant, identified only by his initials “LNP,” alleges that Spacey “deliberately assaulted” him on roughly a dozen occasions between 2000 and 2005.
A third man, identified as “GHI,” claims he was assaulted by Spacey in 2008, after meeting him through a workshop at the Old Vic. He says the incident caused long-term psychiatric harm and financial loss. His civil claim was filed in 2022 but was suspended during Spacey’s criminal trial.
Court Schedules and Legal Strategy
At Wednesday’s preliminary hearing, Judge Christina Lambert provisionally scheduled the trial to begin October 12, 2026, in a time window of three weeks. It remains undecided whether the three claims will be heard together or as separate proceedings.
Prosecutors — led by Elizabeth‑Anne Gumbel KC — argue that a combined hearing would prevent witnesses from testifying multiple times. The defense, represented by William McCormick KC, contends that the claims involve “markedly different circumstances” and should proceed separately. “On a rational basis, the only common feature is Kevin Spacey,” McCormick wrote.
Spacey Denies the Allegations
Spacey, 66, has denied any wrongdoing. He has formally denied two of the claims and has not yet filed a defense in the third.
In earlier criminal proceedings, a jury acquitted him in 2023 of nine sexual offence charges brought by four other men.
Despite that acquittal, civil lawsuits continue to unfold — a sign that the legal scrutiny for the actor is far from over.
As this next chapter moves toward court, the theater world and public await further developments, including whether the three claims will be consolidated or treated individually.