Noel Clarke loses libel case against Guardian publisher over sexual misconduct allegations

Actor Noel Clarke has lost his High Court libel case against the publisher of The Guardian, over a series of news articles which featured claims from a number of women.

The first article, published in April 2021, said some 20 women who knew Clarke in a professional capacity had come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct.

In a statement at the time, the 49-year-old actor, writer and director, best known for his 2006 film Kidulthood and starring in Doctor Who, said he vehemently denied "any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing" - but the court has found Guardian News and Media (GNM) successfully defended his legal action on the grounds of truth and public interest.

During the trial, Clarke's lawyer told the court he had been made a "scapegoat" and was an "easy target", as a star at the height of his success when the media industry "zealously sought to correct itself" following the #MeToo movement.

The actor had been handed the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the BAFTAs just a few weeks before the report was published. Following the article, BAFTA announced it had suspended his membership.

Lawyers for The Guardian described the newspaper's investigation as "careful and thorough" during the trial, saying it had been carried out "conscientiously" by the journalists involved.

The trial took place from early March to early April 2025 and Clarke gave evidence over several days.

At one stage, he appeared visibly emotional as he claimed the publisher had "smashed my life".

In March 2022, police said the actor would not face a criminal investigation over the allegations.

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(c) Sky News 2025: Noel Clarke loses libel case against Guardian publisher over sexual misconduct allegations