‘Well-known’ star who says he’d ‘kill himself if intercourse claims shared’ set to be taught destiny
The well-known man, who denies the claims, is seeking an injunction to prevent these being broadcast and published because of a risk that he would take his own life
London’s High Court(Image: Getty Images)
A “famous” man seeking an injunction against two media organisations to stop them from publishing allegations against him will find out if he has been successful tomorrow.
The man, who cannot be identified, is bringing legal action against Independent Television News (ITN), which produces news programmes for ITV, Channel 4, Good Morning Britain and Channel 5, and Guardian News and Media (GNM), publisher of The Guardian.
The High Court in London was told by lawyers for the media organisations that the allegations they want to report involve the man’s alleged “abuse of power and status” to contact young women and try to engage in “inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities”.
A judge will rule tomorrow if the injunction is successful(Image: Getty Images)
The well-known man, who denies the claims, is seeking an injunction to prevent this broadcast and publication because of a risk that he would take his own life, following two previous suicide attempts. Judge Mr Justice Nicklin is now to give his decision on Tuesday.
Sara Mansoori KC, for the unnamed “famous” man, said he denies the allegations of wrongdoing and that publication “would have a potentially fatal impact”.
She told the court: “The only reason they would not be fatal is because the claimant would be locked up and prevented from his desire to end his life.”
(Image: AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
In written submissions, the barrister said that this was not a case of a person “spuriously” claiming mental health concerns because they do not want something to be published. Ms Mansoori also said that the claimant “has no intention of returning to public life”.
Gavin Millar KC, for ITN and GNM, said the case risks “dragging judges into assessing the causes of suicidal ideation, which are for professionals and not for a judge”. He added: “The obligation falls on the hospital to keep him safe, and that’s that.”
He later said: “Plainly the proposed publication would make a valuable contribution to a debate of public importance, about men using their power to be able to misconduct themselves against women in that area of society.”
Mr Justice Nicklin is to give his decision on Tuesday(Image: Getty Images)
The barrister added in written submissions that the allegations were gathered after “a wide-ranging and rigorous investigation” and that there was a “strong” public interest in publishing them.
He said that they intend to publish “numerous allegations” that the man had abused his status “over the course of many years” to try to engage in “inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities with a large number of girls and young women”.
Mr Justice Nicklin is to give his decision during a hearing at 2pm. Media lawyer Alex Wilson, partner at RPC, said Tuesday’s decision may not be “the end of the story”.
A legal expert says the case poses questions about press freedom(Image: Getty Images)
Mr Wilson said: “This landmark case raises an extraordinary question about press freedom: can the right to life be used to prevent the publication of serious allegations in the public interest?”
He continued: “The courts must always strike a careful balance between an individual’s right to reputation and privacy, and the media and public’s right to receive information, particularly where there is a clear public interest.”
Mr Wilson said that if the injunction was granted, it would be likely to be “quite an exceptional precedent given the seemingly exceptional nature of the evidence”.
The man will learn his fate on Tuesday(Image: TOLGA AKMEN/EPA/Shutterstock)
He added: “There is a reasonable concern amongst the media that individuals could cite this decision, and the potential impact of a potential damaging article about them, to try and prevent publication.
“The judge hearing this application is incredibly experienced in media law and will be well aware of the potential precedent that the decision may set.
“But, given how novel this case is and how much is at stake, I wouldn’t be surprised if the unsuccessful party seeks to appeal. I certainly wouldn’t expect this decision to be the end of the story.”
When life is difficult, Samaritans are available day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
