Noel Clarke Loses Legal Bid to Dismiss Guardian's Libel Defence

The actor's attempt to strike out the Guardian's defence ahead of a March trial was rejected by the High Court.

Noel Clarke's libel claim against the Guardian stems from articles alleging sexual misconduct by the actor, which he denies.
The High Court rejected Clarke's application to strike out the Guardian's defence, which is based on truth and public interest.
Clarke's lawyers accused Guardian journalists of fabricating and deleting evidence, but the court deemed these claims unsupported by evidence.
The Guardian stated that 32 witnesses are expected to testify against Clarke at the trial scheduled for March 2025.
Clarke previously faced professional fallout, including a suspended BAFTA membership, following the publication of the allegations in 2021.