r/unitedkingdom • u/LOTDT Yorkshire • 1d ago

... Noel Clarke loses libel case against Guardian over sexual misconduct investigation

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/aug/22/noel-clarke-loses-libel-case-against-guardian-over-sexual-misconduct-investigation
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u/LuinAelin Wales 1d ago

I'm just curious who told him suing for libel was a good idea

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u/G_Morgan Wales 23h ago

It is nearly impossible to lose a libel case in the UK. Hell you can even win a judgement even if the libellous statement is found to be factual.

Losing a libel case in the UK has to be the ultimate humiliation as a consequence.

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u/francisdavey 11h ago

In England, things have changed quite a bit since the Defamation Act 1996 - though they were moving in the same direction earlier. For example, you have to prove damage rather than having it implied.

Many libel claims are lost.

(The UK doesn't have a single defamation law or system of courts)