Spacey to confront civil sexual assault allegations in court in 2026

Actor Kevin Spacey is expected to face civil lawsuits from three men alleging sexual assault at the High Court in London in October next year. The claims cover incidents the men say occurred between 2000 and 2013.

During a hearing on Wednesday, a judge suggested a tentative trial date of 12 October 2026. The cases may be handled in a single trial or as three separate trials.

Spacey has denied all accusations. He has officially rejected two claims and has not yet filed a defense in the third case. He was previously acquitted of nine sexual offence charges in a 2023 criminal trial.

Two of the accusers, who had previously come forward during the criminal proceedings, have also initiated civil lawsuits at the High Court. One, identified only as LNP, claims Spacey "deliberately assaulted" him on around 12 occasions between 2000 and 2005. Another, known as GHI, alleges that after meeting Spacey during a workshop at London's Old Vic theatre, he experienced psychiatric harm and financial loss due to an assault in 2008. Spacey served as artistic director of the Old Vic from 2004 to 2013. GHI originally filed his lawsuit in 2022, but it was paused due to the criminal case.

The third accuser, Ruari Cannon, has chosen to reveal his identity. He alleges that Spacey groped him at a party following a 2013 performance of Tennessee Williams' play Sweet Bird of Youth at the Old Vic. Cannon also participated in the 2024 Channel 4 documentary Spacey Unmasked. Spacey has described the allegation as "ridiculous and it never happened."

Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC, representing the three men, submitted that the cases should be combined into a single trial to prevent repeated testimony from the men and Spacey.

Spacey has admitted to "bad behaviour" and sometimes being "too handsy," but denies using the term "grope" for his actions. At his 2023 criminal trial in London, he was cleared of seven sexual assault counts, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Analysis: Civil Cases Against Kevin Spacey Set for London High Court

The upcoming civil lawsuits against Kevin Spacey mark a continuation of legal scrutiny following his 2023 criminal acquittal. Scheduled for a tentative trial date of 12 October 2026, the cases involve three men alleging sexual assault between 2000 and 2013. The High Court will decide whether the claims are heard together or separately.

Spacey has formally denied all allegations, rejecting two claims and yet to file a defense for the third. The accusers include two individuals who previously participated in the criminal proceedings, and one who has publicly revealed his identity, highlighting the complex and overlapping nature of the civil and criminal legal processes.

Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC, representing the claimants, has proposed combining the cases into a single trial to avoid repeated testimony. While Spacey has admitted to inappropriate conduct, he disputes the characterization of his actions as groping. The civil proceedings will focus on alleged psychological and financial harm, contrasting with the criminal case where he was acquitted of nine charges.

The High Court hearings will provide a separate legal avenue for the accusers to seek redress, underlining the distinction between criminal conviction and civil liability. The outcomes may have implications for how historic allegations against public figures are addressed in UK civil courts.

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• Spacey set to face civil sex assault claims in court in 2026