The Kevin Spacey reckoning continues, and it’s a masterclass in how legal settlements function as PR damage control – even when no liability is admitted. The Old Vic theatre in London has reached an out-of-court settlement with actor Ruari Cannon, who alleges he was sexually assaulted by Spacey in 2013. This isn’t just about one claim; it’s about the ongoing attempt to define a legacy in the wake of #MeToo.
- Ruari Cannon, who waived his right to anonymity, brought the claim against both Spacey and The Old Vic.
- The Old Vic stated the settlement was reached without any admission of liability, citing costs and impact on all parties.
- Two other men remain in legal action against Spacey, with seven additional individuals seeking to provide evidence.
This settlement, while confidential in its terms, is strategically timed. It follows Spacey’s 2023 acquittal of nine sex offences, a legal victory that didn’t necessarily translate to a public relations one. The Old Vic, understandably, wants to distance itself from the controversy. A protracted legal battle would have kept the allegations front and center, potentially impacting future programming and donor relations. The theatre’s statement – carefully worded to avoid any acknowledgement of wrongdoing – is textbook crisis communication. They’re signaling a desire to move forward, to be seen as an institution that takes such allegations seriously, even while protecting its own interests.
The fact that seven other individuals wish to give evidence, even without bringing claims, is significant. It suggests a pattern of behavior that extends beyond the current legal cases. However, as William McCormick KC, representing Spacey, pointed out, the relevance of these testimonies to the specific claims will be crucial. This is where the legal maneuvering gets particularly interesting – controlling the narrative by limiting the scope of evidence presented.
Spacey’s career remains in a precarious state. While the acquittal offered a glimmer of hope, the shadow of these allegations will likely linger. Whether he can fully rehabilitate his image, or if Hollywood will ever fully embrace him again, remains to be seen. The conclusion of this hearing on Wednesday will be another key moment in determining that future, and the industry will be watching closely to see how this particular chapter closes.
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