Actor and director Noel Clarke has lost his libel case against the Guardian after the High Court ruled in favour of the newspaper over its reporting of sexual misconduct allegations.
The 49-year-old, best known for roles in Doctor Who and films such as Kidulthood and Adulthood, sued Guardian News and Media (GNM) over a series of articles published in 2021. The reports alleged he had used his position in the film and television industry to harass and exploit women.
Clarke denied the allegations, describing them as false and part of an “unlawful conspiracy”. His lawyers argued that the articles wrongly portrayed him as a “serial abuser of women”.
During the six-week trial earlier this year, more than a dozen women gave evidence, testifying that they had experienced misconduct by Clarke. The actor himself gave evidence over three days, firmly rejecting the claims of inappropriate sexual behaviour.
The Guardian defended its journalism, stating the articles were based on a “careful and thorough investigation conducted conscientiously”. The High Court ultimately sided with the publisher, rejecting Clarke’s libel claim.
Clarke rose to fame as Mickey Smith in Doctor Who between 2005 and 2010, later writing, directing and starring in the acclaimed Hood trilogy of films (Kidulthood, Adulthood, and Brotherhood). His prominence in the British film industry was marked by several major awards, including the Bafta Rising Star award in 2009.
In 2021, Clarke received the Bafta for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema, but the award was suspended along with his Bafta membership following the Guardian’s revelations.
The ruling is a major legal and reputational setback for Clarke, who has consistently denied all allegations of misconduct.