THE Guardian played “judge, jury and executioner” of Noel Clarke’s career in an “unlawful conspiracy” over sex claims, a court heard.
The award-winning actor is suing the newspaper for libel over seven articles and a podcast that alleged he was sexually inappropriate towards women.
GettyNoel Clarke is suing the Guardian for libel[/caption]
In written submissions, Clarke’s legal team said claims that he was a “serial abuser of women” were false.
The High Court was also told that the “conspirators’” intention was to cause him “irreparable” financial and reputational damage.
Clarke has accused Guardian News and Media (GNM) of playing “the role of judge, jury and executioner” of his career and reputation.
The articles featured claims from a number of women in the film and TV industry who claimed Clarke groped them and was sexually inappropriate over many years.
His lawyer Philip Williams said that while GNM’s investigation took place over three-and-a-half weeks, Clarke was “barely able to reply to the allegations” and was only originally given 24 hours to respond.
He also told the court the articles, which were published between 2021 and 2022, were not framed “in an even-handed tone”.
Mr Williams explained the Kidulthood star has become “completely exiled” from the film industry following the allegations and is perceived as a “criminal” by those he previously worked with.
He accused GNM’s sources of having an “axe to grind” against the Doctor Who actor and branded them “hostile”.
The barrister said 14 of the complainants were involved in a conspiracy and the journalists involved in the articles were aware.
But Gavin Millar KC, for GNM, has argued that there is “ample evidence” that all of the articles were true or substantially true.
He told the court GNM reasonably believed that publishing all of the statements at the centre of the libel case was in the public interest.
The lawyer added: “The defendant will adduce evidence from 16 women who experienced the claimant’s misconduct first-hand, some of them on multiple occasions.
“There is no motive for them to lie and the claimant has not suggested any, beyond making wild allegations as to an alleged conspiracy.”
Clarke, who vehemently denies the allegations, will give evidence in the libel trial.
GNM said around 16 women will tell the court about the award-winning actor and producer’s alleged conduct.
The court previously heard that Clarke has asked to amend his claim, which will be dealt with after the libel trial finishes.
As well as increasing his claim for special damages to more than £70million, he wants to bring further action – alleging that multiple people conspired against him using fabricated reports of misconduct or sexual assault.
The hearing before Mrs Justice Steyn is due to conclude in April, with a decision expected in writing at a later date.
GettyThe actor was accused of inappropriate sexual behaviour[/caption]
PAClarke pictured at the High Court today[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
