A British High Court judge has rejected an unnamed celebrity’s attempt to prevent two news organizations from identifying him. The case concerns sexual misconduct allegations involving young women and teenagers, which the man denies. However, his identity will remain protected while he considers an appeal. The ruling does not establish whether any of the allegations are true.
The judge made no findings about the disputed allegations
The celebrity had sought an injunction against ITN and Guardian News and Media to prevent them from publishing allegations against him. He argued that revealing his identity would make him “highly likely” to die by suicide. His legal team maintained that the risk stemmed from what they described as “trial by media” rather than any admission of wrongdoing.
However, Justice Nicklin rejected the request in a judgment delivered on Tuesday, November 3.
He clarified, “The court did not determine whether the allegations, or any of them, were true, and the dismissal of the claim does not amount to approval of any publication the defendants may decide to make.”
According to BBC News, the man denies abusing “his power and position as a celebrity to contact and forge relationships with young women and teenagers to try to have sex with them.”
Meanwhile, lawyers representing ITN and the Guardian argued that the suicide risk could be managed. They also maintained there was no justification “to restrain the publication of public interest journalism.”
The celebrity’s lawyer, Sara Mansoori, told the court that he had attempted suicide twice, spent months in hospital and undergone involuntary detention. She added that more than 10 doctors had examined him.
Mansoori argued, “This is not a case where an individual has spuriously raised ‘mental health’ concerns in the face of an impending publication that they do not wish to occur.”
She also told the judge that her client “has no intention of returning to public life.”
Justice Nicklin had previously acknowledged the “significant public interest” surrounding the proceedings. However, he stressed the need to examine the evidence and legal arguments fairly.
Although the court dismissed the injunction request, reporting restrictions remain in place to protect the unnamed celebrity’s identity. The judge granted permission to appeal, allowing the man to challenge the decision.
The allegations remain disputed, and the celebrity’s identity will stay confidential during the appeal proceedings.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
