Overview

• Noel Clarke's attempt to introduce a conspiracy claim and add six new defendants to his libel case against The Guardian was denied by the Court of Appeal.
• The court ruled that the proposed changes would disrupt the trial, which has been scheduled for March 3, 2025, for some time.
• The Guardian's reporting, based on allegations from over 20 women, is being defended as true and in the public interest, with 32 witnesses expected to testify against Clarke.
• Clarke has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct and is seeking over £70 million in damages, claiming the articles caused irreparable harm to his career and reputation.
• The trial will proceed as planned, with Clarke's legal team preparing to appeal other rulings, including a failed bid to strike out The Guardian's defense.