A High Court judge is expected to rule this week on whether ITN and The Guardian can publish allegations against an unnamed celebrity who is seeking to remain anonymous.
The man is referred to in court as “PPT”. He is seeking an injunction to prevent the news organisations from publishing his identity and allegations about his conduct. He denies the claims.
Why he is seeking to stop publication
His barrister, Sara Mansoori KC, told the court that publishing the claims and identifying him would have a “potentially fatal impact”. She said he had attempted suicide twice and had been hospitalised for months.
Those statements were made by his legal team as part of his case for an injunction.
The media organisations oppose the application. Their lawyers said their investigation gathered accounts from more than 100 people and argued that publication would be in the public interest. They also said the women who spoke to reporters wanted their allegations to be heard.
The allegations include claims that the celebrity used his status to pursue sexual relationships with young women and teenagers. They remain allegations and have not been proved in court.
What the judge will decide
The two-day hearing has concluded, but the judge has not yet ruled. His decision will concern whether the requested injunction should prevent publication; it will not determine whether the allegations are true.
A High Court order currently protects PPT’s identity and prohibits publication of information likely to identify him in connection with the case. The judge has urged the press and public not to speculate about who he is. The restriction remains in force unless the court changes it.
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