Kevin Spacey Settles UK Civil Lawsuits Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Actor Kevin Spacey settles confidential civil lawsuits with three men in London, ending the legal battle following his 2023 criminal acquittal.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 21, 2026, 9:22 AM EDT

Source: Reuters

End of a Multi-Year Legal Battle

The settlement, made public through a court order dated March 13, 2026, marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in Kevin Spacey's legal challenges in the United Kingdom. Two of the three claimants involved in these civil suits had previously provided evidence during Spacey’s high-profile criminal trial in 2023. In that case, the actor was acquitted of all nine charges of sexual assault. While the terms of this latest civil settlement remain strictly confidential, the "stay" on the proceedings means the court will no longer hear the evidence, and no admission of liability has been publicly recorded.

Background of Allegations and Denials

Spacey, now 66, was a dominant force in Hollywood—famed for his roles in American Beauty, The Usual Suspects, and the Netflix series House of Cards—until allegations first surfaced in 2017. The British lawsuits focused on incidents alleged to have taken place during his tenure as the artistic director of London’s Old Vic Theatre. Throughout every legal proceeding, Spacey has steadfastly denied any non-consensual activity, maintaining that the alleged incidents either never happened or were entirely consensual.

Impact on Spacey's Career

The financial and reputational fallout of these allegations has been profound. Following the initial claims in 2017: