The celebrity gagging order: How dozens of household names from footballers to TV stars have secured injunctions to hide affairs and sex scandals

David Walliams was identified as the “well-known man” whose bid for a gagging order to prevent reporting of allegations against him was rejected by a judge. He denies the allegations, which include claims that he targeted girls as young as 15. The case has renewed attention on how celebrities and public figures use privacy injunctions to restrict reporting of alleged affairs and sexual misconduct.

Ministry of Justice figures show 111 applications for new interim privacy injunctions were made between 2016 and 2026. Applications were generally fewer between 2016 and 2023, at around six to nine every six months, but rose during 2024 and reached 18 proceedings in the first half of 2025. That period included 11 new applications and six cases to renew or vary existing orders; interim injunctions can temporarily block reporting while a court examines a case.