Noel Clarke’s Legal Battle Ends in Defeat: High Court Rules in Favour of The Guardian

A Decisive Verdict

UK actor-director-producer Noel Clarke has lost his libel claim against The Guardian newspaper, with Justice Steyn concluding that the newspaper successfully established both truth and public interest defences to the libel claim.

The case centered around seven articles and a podcast, including an April 2021 piece that detailed allegations of sexual misconduct and bullying from 20 women who knew Clarke professionally. While Clarke denied these allegations, Guardian News and Media (GNM) maintained their reporting was accurate and served the public interest.

Impact on Career and Response

The impact on Clarke’s career has been significant, with the actor claiming he has “not had one single work contract” since the first Guardian article was published in April 2021. Following the original allegations, BAFTA suspended both his membership and Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award, while ITV pulled the final episode of “Viewpoint,” in which he starred, and Sky halted his involvement in future productions.

The Court’s Assessment

In her judgment, Justice Steyn found Clarke to be untruthful about most allegations, though she acknowledged his belief that he is not what The Guardian ‘branded’ him. The court noted that while some of Clarke’s actions may have affected people in ways he didn’t intend, he often remained oblivious to their impact, viewing his behavior as merely ‘naughty,’ ‘cheeky,’ or ‘teasing.’

Looking Forward

The Guardian’s editor-in-chief Katharine Viner welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing that their reporting was proven substantially true and in the public interest. The verdict is being hailed as both a victory for the women who came forward and a landmark judgment for investigative journalism in Britain. More than 20 women testified in the High Court, refusing to be intimidated or bullied in the process.