Who is Noel Clarke? Actor Loses £70m Libel Battle Against The Guardian

British actor and filmmaker Noel Clarke has lost his £70 million High Court libel case against The Guardian. The court ruled that the newspaper’s reporting of him as a “sexual predator” was true and in the public interest.

Clarke, 49, known for his roles in Doctor Who, Kidulthood, and Bulletproof, had sued the paper, claiming the allegations destroyed his career. He argued that the journalists acted as “judge, jury and executioner”.

However, Justice Steyn delivered a damning judgment, saying Clarke was not a credible witness and had lied to the court. The judge upheld claims from more than 20 women, who accused Clarke of harassment, sexual assault, and bullying on film sets.

Guardian’s Victory and Women’s Testimonies

The Guardian called the decision a “victory for women who suffered because of Clarke’s behaviour”. Editor-in-chief Kath Viner praised the courage of the women who testified, saying the ruling was also a landmark for investigative journalism.

The trial revealed disturbing details, including unwanted sexual remarks, inappropriate advances, bullying, and Clarke allegedly directing nude scenes for his “own sexual gratification”.

Career Fallout

Once a BAFTA-winning star, Clarke’s career collapsed overnight when the allegations surfaced in April 2021. His ITV series Viewpoint was pulled from schedules, and Sky cancelled Bulletproof. BAFTA suspended his membership after initially awarding him for “outstanding contribution to cinema”.

Clarke’s lawyers argued he has been “completely exiled” from the industry and is now seen as a criminal by many who once worked with him.

Clarke’s Response

During the trial, Clarke accused The Guardian, reporters, and complainants of a conspiracy, but the judge dismissed those claims as “implausible”. The ruling was delivered electronically, without a hearing in court.

Clarke has recently taken to X (formerly Twitter), reposting articles about other celebrities involved in controversy, including Johnny Depp and Gina Carano.