Women's groups have welcomed a High Court judgment dismissing actor Noel Clarke's libel claim against the Guardian, describing it as a victory for victims of sexual misconduct and for press freedom. The ruling, delivered by Mrs Justice Steyn on Friday, found that the Guardian had proved its defences of truth and public interest in an investigation that detailed allegations of bullying and sexual misconduct against Clarke.
The five-week civil case saw 26 witnesses give evidence against Clarke, who had claimed the allegations were false and part of an unlawful conspiracy. The judge stated that while she accepted some of his evidence, overall she found him not to be a credible or reliable witness.
Harriet Wistrich, chief executive of the Centre for Women's Justice, said the judgment was 'great news' and a blow to wealthy men who use money to silence women. Karen Ingala Smith, former chief executive of domestic and sexual violence charity nia, noted that Clarke could have avoided being named simply by not harassing women, and added that he joins a list of wealthy abusive men who have failed to use the law to hide their behaviour.
Barrister Charlotte Proudman called the ruling a landmark moment for survivors and investigative journalism, emphasising that it sends a clear message that women who come forward should be believed. Andrea Simon of the End Violence Against Women Coalition stressed the importance of press freedom, noting that journalists are often deterred by the threat of legal action from powerful individuals.
Jamie Klingler, co-founder of Reclaim These Streets, praised the survivors and the Guardian's team for refusing to back down. The case highlights ongoing issues with non-disclosure agreements and the weaponisation of defamation laws against victims.
