Celebrity loses injunction case but will remain anonymous pending appeal

Court denies permanent injunction, but anonymity will remain

The High Court in London has refused a celebrity a permanent injunctionby which he had sought to bar two news organisations from publishing his identity and allegations of sexual harassment. BBC News reported this. The judge, Mr Justice Nicklin, ruled that the interim injunction — both on naming him and on publishing the allegations themselves — will remain in force for the entire period allowed for an appeal: anonymity and reporting restrictions stay in place until the appeal window expires.

The nature of the allegations and the parties' positions

ITN and The Guardian argued that publication was a matter of public interest: the claims concern allegations that the man abused his status by attempting to engage in 'inappropriate sexual relations with a large number of girls and young women'. The man himself denies the allegations and told the court that publication would be highly likely to drive him to suicide, asking the court to ban any broadcast or print of this information.

Background to the case

The case was heard over several weeks: as early as 16 October, the BBC reported that a 'well-known' person had asked the court to ban publication of an allegation of a sexual offence, and about six days ago the court heard reports of 'inappropriate sexual behaviour' without naming the individual involved. Thus, the 3 November ruling changes the original situation: the court has for the first time refused a permanent injunction, although in practice the name still cannot be published because of the interim restrictions. The BBC notes that the story is being updated and further details will be added later.

Image source, Getty Images