On Monday, the High Court began a four day trial of a defamation claim in Hegab (“Hijab”) v The Spectator (1828) Ltd & Anor before Mr Justice Johnson.
Mohammed Hijab, a prominent British YouTuber with over 1.3 million subscribers, has brought defamation proceedings against The Spectator and Douglas Murray over an article published by Mr Murray on 24 September 2022, headlined “Leicester and the downside with diversity”.
The trial will determine the meaning of the article and whether it has caused serious harm, as well as whether the imputation conveyed in the article is substantially true. Mr Hijab also claims special damages, which are contested.
Greg Callus and Hector Penny, instructed by RPC, act for The Spectator. William Bennett KC, instructed by Patron Law, acts for Douglas Murray.