UK Court Sets 2026 Trial for Spacey Civil Assault Claims

London's High Court has scheduled a provisional trial date of October 12, 2026, for three civil claims of sexual assault against actor Kevin Spacey, stemming from alleged incidents between 2000 and 2015. The cases, brought by three men who accuse Spacey of misconduct during his tenure as artistic director of the Old Vic theatre, were addressed at a preliminary hearing on Wednesday. Spacey, 66, denies all allegations and was not present at the hearing.

One claimant, actor Ruari Cannon, has waived his right to anonymity and alleges that Spacey groped him at a 2013 party while Cannon was performing in a play at the Old Vic. Court documents detail that another anonymous claimant accuses Spacey of repeatedly taking his hand and placing it on his clothed body. The third man, also anonymous, claims psychiatric damage and financial losses from an alleged assault in August 2008; his case was filed in 2022 but paused during Spacey's criminal proceedings. Cannon is additionally suing the Old Vic theatre. Lawyers for the claimants are seeking a combined trial, which could last eight to nine days, while the defense prefers separate hearings of five to six days each. A further hearing will...