UK Judge Rejects Celebrity’s Bid to Block Allegations

The celebrity denies allegations that he used his status to pursue sexual relationships with girls and young women. The case concerned whether publication should be blocked because of the risk to his life, not whether the allegations were true.

Court Rejects Bid to Silence Reporting on Alleged Abuse of Power

The judge rejected an attempt to stop publication of serious allegations that the celebrity denies, ruling that the court had no basis to restrain the outlets. The allegations have not been tested or found true in this case, and the decision does not endorse any particular publication.

The celebrity’s lawyers argued that publication could lead him to take his own life and said he had attempted suicide twice. The judge recognized the risk as grave and the likely mental suffering as serious, but concluded that mental-health services—not a ban on reporting—could meet the state’s duty to protect him.

ITN and The Guardian argued that their investigations concerned matters of public importance, including the alleged use of celebrity power against young women. Their lawyers said they had spoken with more than 100 people and described the allegations as credible.

The judgment leaves the outlets’ reporting bid intact, but the celebrity cannot yet be identified. The temporary anonymity restriction remains in place while he considers an appeal, which must be lodged by November 9.

Judge Rejects Celebrity’s Plea to Keep Allegations Under Wraps

The ruling puts the demands of media publication ahead of a vulnerable man’s plea for protection, even as the judge accepted that the suicide risk was grave and closely linked to the case. The celebrity denies the allegations, which have not been determined to be true.

His lawyers said he had tried to kill himself twice after learning of the planned reporting and argued that publication could have fatal consequences. They also said he had been hospitalized and examined by more than 10 doctors. The judge nevertheless found no legal basis to block the outlets from publishing.

ITN and The Guardian argued that the allegations were credible and that publication served the public interest. They said their investigation included conversations with more than 100 people and involved claims of sexual misconduct toward young women.

The court rejected the injunction, but the celebrity’s identity remains under a temporary reporting restriction while he decides whether to appeal. He has until November 9 to lodge one. The ruling did not decide whether any allegation was true or approve what the outlets may publish.