Noel Clarke’s High Court Libel Trial Against The Guardian Publisher Begins

The actor is suing over 2021 articles alleging misconduct, with 32 witnesses set to testify in a trial focused on liability.

Noel Clarke, 49, has initiated a libel and data protection trial against Guardian News and Media (GNM) over articles published in April 2021 accusing him of sexual misconduct, which he denies.
The trial, presided over by Mrs Justice Steyn, will address liability but not potential damages if Clarke wins the case.
GNM is defending its reporting as factual and in the public interest, with 32 witnesses prepared to testify against Clarke.
Clarke claims the articles damaged his reputation, cost him work, and led to the revocation of his BAFTA award and suspension from the organization.
The trial is expected to last four to six weeks, with a written judgment to follow at a later date.