American actor Kevin Spacey is facing serious allegations of sexual abuse dating back 50 years in a civil lawsuit that suggests he carried out his first assault while still in high school.
The 66-year-old actor is being sued by three men, who are claiming that he exploited his Hollywood celebrity status to target vulnerable young individuals.
During a hearing at the High Court today, it was revealed that Spacey's first alleged incident occurred while he was still a student at Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles before he became famous.
Mr. Spacey is accused of inappropriately touching a male car driver in 1976. This individual is among seven men who are set to testify in a civil trial concerning damages that is scheduled for later in the year.
The actor has categorically denied all allegations against him. In 2023, he was acquitted at Southwark Crown Court of charges relating to a series of predatory sexual offenses during his time as the artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre in London.
Currently, Spacey is facing this new civil lawsuit linked to some of the same accusers who had previously requested compensation exceeding £30,000 before the criminal proceedings took place.
In court today, allegations were made that Spacey used his influence as a notable figure in the entertainment industry to prey on young men by attempting inappropriate advances over a number of years.
Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC, representing the plaintiffs, stated during a pre- trial review that grooming behaviors were evident before the alleged attacks, including giving gifts to the young males involved, prior to the assaults, which occurred unexpectedly.
Mr. Spacey did not attend the High Court session for this case.
While the US actor acknowledged instances of 'bad behaviour' and admitted at times to being overly physical, he has strongly refuted claims of groping any men.
Ahead of an upcoming Channel 4 documentary exploring these allegations, Spacey remarked in 2024 that he takes full accountability for his past actions, but refuses to accept blame for individuals he believes have fabricated or exaggerated stories about him.
He stated, 'I've never told anyone that giving me sexual favours would aid their career, that has never happened.'
Additionally, a representative for the Old Vic confirmed today that the theatre has settled with one of the claimants, noting that 'Ruari Cannon and The Old Vic have reached a mutually agreed out-of-court settlement, the specific terms of which remain confidential.'
This settlement has been made without any admission of liability, considering the implications and costs involved in ongoing litigation.
The legal proceedings are ongoing.
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