Today, the High Court will hear argument in a preliminary issue trial in a libel and data protection claim brought by the actor and producer Noel Clarke against the publisher of The Guardian newspaper and website.
Mr Clarke’s action concerns eight articles (including one podcast) published by Guardian News and Media Ltd. Johnson J will, in respect of the libel claim, determine (i) the natural and ordinary meaning of the statements complained of contained within each of the articles; (ii) whether the statements complained of, in any meaning found, are defamatory of Mr Clarke at common law; and (iii) whether the statements complained of are (or include) statements of fact or opinion.
5RB’s Adam Speker KC appears for the Claimant, instructed by The Khan Partnership. 5RB’s Alexandra Marzec and Ben Gallop appear for the Defendant, led by Gavin Millar KC and instructed by Wiggin LLP.
