Celebrity loses injunction bid but will stay anonymous pending appeal

The High Court has rejected a celebrity’s request to permanently prevent two news organisations from publishing his identity and allegations of sexual misconduct. The judge said the allegations concern serious conduct by a prominent person and could contribute significantly to public debate, but the ruling does not establish whether they are true or approve any future publication.

The celebrity denies the allegations and says publication would put him at high risk of suicide. A temporary order keeping his identity and the reporting restricted remains in force while he considers an appeal; he must lodge reasons by 16:30 GMT on 9 November. The case raises an unusual question about when courts should restrict reporting where a person says publication could lead them to harm themselves.