Kevin Spacey Confronts New Civil Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Abuse Spanning Five Decades
American actor Kevin Spacey, aged 66, is embroiled in a fresh civil case that accuses him of sexual abuse dating back an astonishing 50 years. The lawsuit, filed by three men, alleges that Spacey leveraged his position as a prominent Hollywood star to prey on young victims, with the first purported attack occurring while he was still a high school student.
Allegations Trace Back to High School Years
The High Court recently heard that Spacey's initial alleged misconduct took place in 1976, during his time at Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles. According to the claims, he groped a male driver, an incident that predates his rise to fame. This alleged victim is among seven men who have stepped forward as witnesses in the civil claim for damages, which is scheduled for a hearing later this year.
Spacey has consistently denied all accusations of wrongdoing. In 2023, he was acquitted at Southwark Crown Court in London of a series of predatory sex attacks linked to his tenure as artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre. However, this new civil case involves some of the same accusers who had previously filed compensation claims, seeking damages exceeding £30,000 before the criminal proceedings.
Claims of Exploitation and Grooming
During the pre-trial review, Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC, representing the three plaintiffs, argued that Spacey "exploited his power and influence as a successful celebrity" to target young men. She detailed allegations of inappropriate kissing, touching, and forced physical contact over several years. Gumbel further stated, "In a number of cases, there was an element of grooming prior to the assaults occurring and of gifts being given to the young men. The assaults themselves occurred unexpectedly."
Spacey did not attend the High Court hearing for this case. In the past, he has acknowledged "bad behaviour" and being "too handsy" at times, but he has vehemently denied any groping. Ahead of a 2024 Channel 4 documentary on the allegations, Spacey remarked, "I take full responsibility for my past behaviour and my actions, but I cannot and will not take responsibility or apologise to anyone who's made up stuff about me or exaggerated stories about me. I've never told someone that if they give me sexual favours, then I will help them out with their career, never."
Separate Settlement and Ongoing Proceedings
In a related development, an Old Vic spokeswoman confirmed that the theatre has reached a confidential out-of-court settlement with one of the claimants, Ruari Cannon. The settlement was agreed without any admission of liability, citing the costs and impact of continued litigation on all parties involved.
The civil case against Spacey continues, with the High Court set to further examine the allegations later this year. This lawsuit adds to the ongoing legal challenges faced by the Oscar-winning actor, highlighting persistent claims of misconduct that span decades of his career.
