Controversial actor and political activist Laurence Fox has suffered a major legal blow after losing his High Court appeal in a high-profile defamation case. The court upheld a previous ruling that found Fox liable for labelling two men as 'paedophiles' in a since-deleted tweet.
Court Upholds Damages Ruling
The High Court dismissed Fox's appeal, confirming he must pay £180,000 in damages to the claimants – former Stonewall trustee Simon Blake and drag artist Crystal. The original case stemmed from a heated Twitter exchange in October 2020.
What Sparked the Legal Battle?
The dispute began when Fox objected to Sainsbury's supermarket celebrating Black History Month. When criticised for his views, Fox responded by accusing Blake and Crystal of being 'paedophiles' – a claim he later admitted in court was false.
Judge's Scathing Remarks
In his judgment, Mr Justice Nicklin described Fox's tweet as a "a clear, defamatory allegation of the most serious kind". He noted the actor had "no evidence whatsoever" to support his damaging claims.
Financial and Reputational Fallout
The failed appeal leaves Fox facing significant financial consequences:
- £90,000 damages to each claimant
- Estimated £1 million in combined legal costs
- Potential career repercussions
Legal experts suggest this case serves as a stark warning about the consequences of making unsubstantiated claims on social media, particularly for public figures.
