Man Loses Injunction Bid Against Two Media Outlets Over Allegations

A man has lost his High Court bid to prevent two media organisations from publishing allegations against him, although he cannot yet be named, subject to any appeal.

The man brought legal action against Guardian News and Media (GNM), publisher of The Guardian, and Independent Television News (ITN), which produces news programmes for ITV and other broadcasters.

Lawyers for the media organisations said the allegations concern the man’s alleged abuse of power and status to contact young women and pursue inappropriate and exploitative sexual activity.

The man, who is well-known and denies the allegations, sought to block publication and broadcast. His legal team argued that disclosure could lead him to take his own life, following two previous suicide attempts.

In a summary of his ruling on Tuesday, Mr Justice Nicklin said the claim for an injunction had been dismissed.

The judge stressed that the court had not determined whether the allegations were true and that dismissing the claim did not amount to approval of any publication the defendants might make.

He said the man’s repeated statements that he intended to take his own life if the allegations were published must be taken seriously. However, he added that an injunction would not treat his underlying psychiatric condition or eliminate his existing elevated risk.

The judge also said the requested legal protection would be of uncertain and potentially indefinite duration.

Sara Mansoori KC, representing the man, said he denied wrongdoing and argued that publication could have a potentially fatal impact. She also said the claimant had no intention of returning to public life.

Gavin Millar KC, representing ITN and GNM, said the case risked involving judges in assessing the causes of suicidal thoughts, which he said should be addressed by medical professionals.

He argued that the proposed reporting would contribute to an important public debate about men using positions of power to engage in misconduct against women.

The man cannot currently be named, subject to any appeal.

Anyone in the UK experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts can contact Samaritans free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. In the United States, people can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.