Award-winning American actor Kevin Spacey is once again facing serious allegations as a new civil case claims he engaged in sexual abuse dating back nearly five decades.
The 66-year-old actor is being sued by three men who accuse him of using his influence and status within the entertainment industry to prey on young men over a number of years. The case, which was discussed in a recent hearing at the High Court, includes allegations that Spacey’s first alleged incident occurred while he was still a student in high school.
According to court submissions, one of the claims dates back to 1976 when Spacey was studying at Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles. The alleged victim claims that the actor inappropriately touched him while he was working as a driver.
The individual is one of seven men who are expected to appear as witnesses in the civil claim. The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding £30,000 and is scheduled to be heard in full later this year.
Spacey has denied the allegations and maintains that he has done nothing illegal.
Allegations Presented in Court
During a pre-trial hearing, lawyers representing the claimants argued that the actor allegedly used his power as a well-known figure in the entertainment industry to target younger men.
Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC, representing the three men, told the court that the alleged incidents involved inappropriate physical contact, including attempts to kiss or touch the individuals without consent.
She further argued that in some instances there were signs of grooming before the alleged incidents occurred, including gifts and attention given to the young men.
According to the legal submission, the alleged assaults often occurred unexpectedly.
Spacey did not attend the High Court during the proceedings.
Previous Legal Battles
The new civil case comes after a series of high-profile legal battles involving the actor in recent years.
In 2023, Spacey was acquitted at Southwark Crown Court in London of several criminal charges accusing him of sexual assault during his time as artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre.
Despite the acquittal in the criminal trial, some of the individuals involved later pursued civil claims for damages. Civil cases operate under a different legal standard than criminal cases and focus on compensation rather than criminal penalties.
The High Court hearing confirmed that the current claim is connected to some of the allegations previously raised during the earlier investigations.
Spacey’s Response
The actor has consistently denied allegations that he used his influence in Hollywood or theatre to demand sexual favors.
However, Spacey has previously acknowledged instances of inappropriate behaviour.
In a statement made in 2024 ahead of a Channel 4 documentary examining the allegations against him, he admitted to what he described as “bad behaviour” and said he may have been “too handsy” at times.
At the same time, he strongly rejected claims that he coerced individuals or attempted to trade career opportunities for sexual favors.
“I take full responsibility for my past behaviour and my actions,” Spacey said at the time. “But I cannot and will not apologise to anyone who has made up stories about me or exaggerated claims.”
Settlement Involving the Old Vic
During the court proceedings, it was also revealed that the Old Vic Theatre had reached a separate settlement with one of the claimants connected to the case.
A spokesperson for the theatre confirmed that an agreement had been reached with Ruari Cannon. The settlement was resolved privately and the terms were not disclosed.
The theatre emphasized that the agreement was reached without any admission of liability and was intended to avoid the cost and impact of continuing litigation.
Case Continues
The High Court case is expected to proceed later this year when the claims will be examined in greater detail.
While Spacey denies wrongdoing, the outcome of the civil proceedings could determine whether the claimants receive compensation.
For now, the legal battle continues, marking another chapter in the long-running controversy surrounding one of Hollywood’s once-most powerful actors.