Celebrity Injunction Bid Against Sex Abuse Allegations Dismissed
High Court judge rules against celebrity seeking to prevent publication of claims, citing public interest concerns.
Carla Rooney
A High Court judge has dismissed a celebrity's bid for an injunction to prevent the publication of sex abuse allegations.
PPT argued publication would endanger his life. He claimed exposure to inhumane or degrading punishment under Articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. He sought the injunction due to a risk of suicide, following two previous attempts.
His lawyer, Sara Mansoori KC, stated publication of these allegations would lead to "a very substantial increase in suicidal ideation and suicidal acts on the part of the claimant." Mansoori also quoted the celebrity: "He started saying that he wanted to kill himself and would seek to do so."
He started saying that he wanted to kill himself and would seek to do so.
Lawyers for ITN and GNM claim the allegations involve the man’s alleged abuse of power and status. They state he contacted young women and tried to engage in inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities.
ITN and The Guardian claim the man abused his status to attempt or engage in "inappropriate sexual activities with a large number of girls and young women."
Gavin Millar KC, representing the media organisations, described the situation as "unprecedented." He argued the court was "assessing the causes of suicidal ideation, which are for professionals and not for a judge."
Millar added, "If the state owes a duty to PPT, it is discharged by NHS mental health services and practitioners. The obligation falls on the hospital to keep him safe, and that’s that."
Mr Justice Nicklin ruled on Thursday. He stated the court did not determine the truth of the allegations. The judge delivered his decision on the injunction this afternoon at 2pm.
The celebrity's lawyer indicated he would appeal the decision. Anonymity and reporting restrictions will remain in force during the period allowed for any appeal. The man cannot be identified publicly pending any potential appeal.