London, November 28, 2025
Kevin Spacey is set to face civil sexual assault claims in London’s High Court in October 2026, involving allegations spanning from 2000 to 2013 primarily linked to his time as artistic director of the Old Vic theatre. Three men have filed lawsuits accusing Spacey of repeated sexual assaults during this period.
Details of the Lawsuits
The trio of men allege sexual assaults mostly occurring within the Old Vic theatre environment, with two claimants identified as young actors at the time of the incidents. One claimant, Ruari Cannon, has publicly waived his anonymity, while the other two remain unnamed. Allegations include repeated assaults over several years, with one individual describing twelve deliberate assaults between 2000 and 2005. Another claimant cites psychiatric and financial harm resulting from a specific 2008 assault.
Spacey’s Response and Legal History
Kevin Spacey has formally denied two of the claims and has yet to respond to the third. He has consistently denied wrongdoing throughout these proceedings. Spacey’s previous legal encounters include a 2023 criminal trial in the UK, in which he was acquitted, and earlier civil lawsuits in the United States that were dismissed. These upcoming civil claims represent a significant renewed challenge in his ongoing legal battles.
Trial Logistics and Judge’s Considerations
Judge Christina Lambert has provisionally scheduled a three-week trial beginning on October 12, 2026. Key procedural matters remain undecided, including whether the three claims will be consolidated into a single hearing or dealt with as separate proceedings. Prosecutors advocate for a combined trial, while defense attorneys have requested separate hearings.
Background and Wider Impact
The allegations have contributed substantially to the severe impact on Spacey’s career, which began with accusations emerging in 2017 amid the wider #MeToo movement. Spacey has publicly maintained his innocence, describing some allegations as “ridiculous.” The forthcoming civil trial in London is poised to attract considerable attention from the media, legal observers, and the public, underscoring ongoing societal focus on accountability in the entertainment industry.
These developments form part of a broader, highly publicized pattern of allegations spanning over two decades, positioning the October 2026 trial as a pivotal event in Spacey’s long-standing legal and reputational ordeal.