Noel Clarke has misplaced his libel case in opposition to The Guardian, concerning their studies of alleged sexual assault by the actor.
In 2023, the filmmaker sued Guardian Information and Media (GNM) for defamation after a variety of articles printed by the newspaper in 2021. The articles featured claims from a number of ladies who accused him of verbal abuse, bullying, and sexual assault. BAFTA suspended his membership and Excellent Contribution To Cinema award shortly after the articles had been printed.
On the time, Clarke launched a press release saying: “I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself in opposition to these false allegations”.
When filed, the defamation swimsuit sought damages for monetary and reputational harm. The swimsuit mentioned that “the influence on him financially has been devastating” and that he has “not had one single work contract” because the allegations had been made.
In January, a decide rejected Clarke’s request to have The Guardian’s defence struck out in a courtroom case between the 2 events. In 2022, he would deliver a defamation lawsuit in opposition to BAFTA, however he later dropped the case.
At the moment (August 22), BBC Information reported that Clarke’s libel declare was dismissed by the decide, Mrs Justice Steyn, who mentioned The Guardian had “succeeded in defending its tales on the grounds of reality and publication within the public curiosity”.
In line with the judgement, Steyn remarked: “I’ve accepted a few of Mr Clarke’s proof… however general I discover that he was not a reputable or dependable witness”.
The Guardian’s editor-in-chief, Katherine Viner, mentioned in a press release: “We welcome the choice of the Excessive Courtroom as we speak, in a judgment handed down by Mrs Justice Steyn within the case of Noel Clarke vs Guardian Information & Media. The decide dominated, in extraordinarily clear language, that The Guardian’s reporting was considerably true, and our perception that the reporting was within the public curiosity was undoubtedly affordable”.
“This judgment is a deserved victory for these ladies who suffered due to the behaviour of Noel Clarke. Going to courtroom is troublesome and worrying, but greater than 20 ladies agreed to testify within the Excessive Courtroom, refusing to be bullied or intimidated”.
“That is additionally a landmark judgment for Guardian journalism, and for investigative journalism in Britain. It was essential to battle this case. This was a deeply-researched investigation by a few of The Guardian’s finest reporters, who labored diligently and responsibly. The judgment is evident that our investigation was thorough and honest, a template for public curiosity journalism”.
“I hope as we speak will give encouragement to different ladies in related conditions who’ve been too fearful to boost their voices for concern of the results.”
Identified for his position in TV present Physician Who, in addition to the movies Kidulthood, and Fisherman’s Pals, Clarke has not acted because the allegations had been made.
For assist, recommendation or extra info concerning sexual harassment, assault and rape within the UK, go to the Rape Disaster charity web site. Within the US, go to RAINN.
