A male celebrity seeking an injunction against two media organisations is facing allegations of "inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities" with several young women, the High Court was told on October 27.
The man, who cannot be identified, is bringing legal action against Independent Television News (ITN) and Guardian News and Media (GNM), the publisher of The Guardian. The first day of the trial took place this afternoon, when lawyers for the two media organisations told the court that the allegations they want to report involved the man's alleged "abuse of power and status" to contact young women in order to engage in "inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities."
Judge Urges Public Not to Speculate
Mr Justice Nicklin will not determine the truth or accuracy of the allegations, but will only determine whether they can be published. At the start of the hearing, the judge declared he was aware of online speculation about the identity of the person involved, and urged the public not to speculate while he determined the "difficult and important case."
He said: "The existence of online speculation, however confidently expressed or widely repeated, does not authorise anyone to identify, or purport authoritatively to identify, PPT in connection with these proceedings."
"Nor does repetition transform speculation into established fact." This applies to any publication, including those online and on social media. Those who breach the order could potentially be found in contempt of court, which is punishable by a prison sentence of up to two years, or a fine.
Claimant's Denial and Mental Health Concerns
Sara Mansoori KC, for the unnamed individual, said that he denies allegations of wrongdoing and that publication of this "would have a potentially fatal impact." She told the court: "The only reason they would not be fatal is that the claimant would be locked up and prevented from his desire to end his life."
The barrister said that the man had an initial suicide attempt upon receiving letters from ITN and GNM asking for his reply to the allegations. Ms Mansoori said this response was not due to the allegations themselves, adding: "It is because of long-term trauma and the fear of trial by media."
She added that the man went on to attempt suicide for a second time, saying: "It is worth emphasising how extraordinary this position is. 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.
"The claimant has attempted suicide twice as a result of these matters, been hospitalised for months, been the subject of involuntary detention and been examined by multiple - now more than 10 - doctors." Ms Mansoori went on to add that the claimant "has no intention of returning to public life."
Media Organisations' Response
Gavin Millar KC, for ITN and GNM, said in written submission that the allegations were gathered after "a wide-ranging and rigorous investigation" and that there was a "strong" public interest in publishing them. He went on to add that they intend to publish "numerous allegations" that the man had abused his status "over the course of many years."
Mr Millar said that reporters from media organisations have spoken to over 100 people, including friends and colleagues as well as women with allegations against him. The hearing before Mr Justice Nicklin is due to conclude on Wednesday (October 28), with a written decision expected at a later date.
