26 witnesses to testify against Noel Clarke as libel trial exposes grim misconduct claims

Noel Clarke, the actor once hailed as a trailblazer in British cinema, now faces a devastating libel trial that threatens to strip away what remains of his career and reputation. In the high court in London, a pre-trial hearing on Monday revealed that 32 witnesses will testify in defence of the Guardian after the actor filed a libel lawsuit over a series of articles accusing him of serious misconduct.

The case centres on the Guardian’s investigative reporting in 2021 and 2022, which initially highlighted allegations from 20 women. These claims included unwanted touching, sexually inappropriate remarks, and even allegations of sharing explicit images without consent. Following these publications, several more individuals came forward with similar accounts, further tarnishing Clarke’s public image.

The Guardian has stood by its reporting, arguing that the articles were both truthful and in the public interest. At the hearing, the newspaper’s legal representative, Gavin Millar KC, described the case as “one of the most significant libel trials in recent history.” He revealed that 26 of the witnesses testifying would either present accounts of misconduct by Clarke or corroborate the existing allegations.

The trial, scheduled to start in March, will also see testimony from six Guardian editorial staff, who will detail the rigorous process behind the reporting. The newspaper’s defence hinges on proving the allegations’ accuracy and their importance in exposing misconduct in the entertainment industry.

For Clarke, the stakes are monumental. The Kidulthood star denies the allegations and has vowed to fight the claims in court. While he admitted to making an inappropriate comment about one woman and subsequently apologised, he disputes the wider accusations. In November 2023, Clarke stated, “I have always disputed the content of the Guardian articles,” blaming the reports for the abrupt collapse of his career.

The fallout from the articles was swift and catastrophic. Days after the initial allegations surfaced, Bafta suspended Clarke’s lifetime achievement award, an honour bestowed just a week earlier. ITV pulled the final episode of the thriller Viewpoint, which Clarke headlined, leaving his professional prospects in tatters.

Despite the mounting evidence against him, Clarke’s legal team is preparing to call 15 witnesses to support his case. They aim to dismantle the Guardian’s truth and public interest defences, painting the articles as sensationalised and damaging.

The trial is expected to span six weeks, promising an intense courtroom battle that will attract widespread public and media scrutiny. For the Guardian, it represents a defence of investigative journalism and the right to hold powerful figures accountable. For Clarke, it is a desperate attempt to clear his name and salvage what remains of his legacy.

Observers view the trial as a defining moment not just for the actor but also for the broader discourse around media accountability and the #MeToo movement. As the testimonies unfold, the public will witness a dramatic clash between a disgraced figure seeking redemption and a media outlet defending its commitment to truth.

March will decide the fate of Noel Clarke. Will he emerge vindicated, or will the weight of 32 testimonies seal his downfall?