An unnamed celebrity will learn Tuesday afternoon whether he can stop ITN and The Guardian from publishing sexual misconduct allegations against him. Mr. Justice Nicklin delivers the decision at London’s High Court, according to the Daily Mail. The allegations describe inappropriate and exploitative sexual activity with a large number of girls and young women.
The man behind the injunction argues that publication of the claims alongside his identity would very likely drive him to take his own life. That argument puts the court in the position of weighing press freedom against privacy and an explicit suicide risk at the same time, and the outcome will shape how British media covers cases like this one.
Because he hasn’t been named, speculation about his identity has spread online, though nothing has been confirmed. The ruling is expected Tuesday afternoon. Do you think courts should be able to block a story about a public figure before it’s ever published?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.