Noel Clarke Loses Libel Case Against The Guardian

British actor, director and producer Noel Clarke has lost his libel case against The Guardian, having sued the U.K. newspaper’s publisher for printing allegations of sexual misconduct in 2021.

The “Doctor Who” and “Kidulthood” star had taken Guardian News and Media (GNM) to court after the paper ran a series of stories containing allegations of verbal abuse, bullying, and sexual harassment by Clarke from more than 20 women.

Earlier this year, Clarke’s legal team had asserted that accusations that he was a “serial abuser of women” were false, and had argued he was the victim of an “unlawful conspiracy.” The Guardian, meanwhile, had defended what it claimed had been a “careful and thorough investigation conducted conscientiously” by its reporters.

More than a dozen women testified that they had personally experienced misconduct by Clarke over the six-week trial. Clarke gave evidence over more than three days, denying that he behaved sexually inappropriately with the women.

In a statement following the verdict by Justice Steyn at London’s High Court, Guardian news and Media editor-in-chief Katharine Viner welcomed the decision.

“The judge ruled, in extremely clear language, that the Guardian’s reporting was substantially true, and our belief that the reporting was in the public interest was undoubtedly reasonable,” she said.

“This judgment is a deserved victory for those women who suffered because of the behaviour of Noel Clarke. Going to court is difficult and stressful, yet more than 20 women agreed to testify in the High Court, refusing to be bullied or intimidated.”

Viner added: “I hope today will give encouragement to other women in similar situations who have been too fearful to raise their voices for fear of the consequences.”

Following The Guardian’s 2021 article and the allegations, BAFTA announced that it was suspending both his membership and his Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award. Soon after, ITV announced that it would not broadcast the final episode of “Viewpoint,” in which Clarke starred and Sky immediately halted his involvement in any future productions.