A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of blackmailing one of Britain’s best-loved comedians, The Sun can reveal today.
The suspect, 35, attempted to extort money from the entertainer by threatening to publicise vile and defamatory claims against him, it is said.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of blackmailing one of Britain’s best-loved comedians (posed by model)
He is alleged to have bombarded the star, who is middle-aged, with menacing phone calls and text messages over several months.
Police were alerted by the victim — and the suspect, said to be a German national who works in the arts, was arrested at his East London home.
Electronic devices were seized during a search of the premises and are being examined by officers.
The suspect has been bailed until September pending inquiries.
Meanwhile, the entertainer — who cannot be named for legal reasons — is being provided with support by police and has provided a full statement, a source said.
They went on: “He is said to have received messages and calls from a blackmailer who was threatening to publicly smear him with false accusations.
“These accusations were disgusting in nature and totally false — and they have caused the victim considerable distress.”
The star is said to be known to the suspect after meeting several years ago, but the men do not have close friendship.
Described as “a bolt from the blue”, the blackmail demands are said to have been left the famous victim “shocked”.
Scotland Yard confirmed the suspect’s arrest.
A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: “On Friday, June 27, a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of harassment, blackmail and malicious communications.
“He was taken into custody and later bailed to return pending further inquiries.
“He is next due back on a date in mid-September.
“The arrest follows allegations reported to police on June 26. The investigation is ongoing.”
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