A woman the Guardian newspaper claims was groped by actor Noel Clarke has denied being assaulted by him as evidence is given on his behalf for a defamation trial.
Clarke, best known for his roles in Kidulthood and Doctor Who, is suing the newspaper for defamation over a series of articles published in 2021 and 2022 that accused him of sexual misconduct and bullying.
Clarke has vehemently denied any sexual misconduct or criminal misconduct. In legal papers filed by The Guardian, it is claimed that 'Freya', not her real name, was attacked by Clarke at a 'wrap party' for 2012 film The Knot.
The newspaper claims Clarke “went next to her and groped her from behind through her dress, between her legs” without her consent. But at a pre-trial hearing at the High Court last week, Clarke's legal team said Freya was one of three people acting in the Guardian's defense to provide evidence in support of Clarke.
The other two are an actor who allegedly sent Clarke a sex tape that Clarke allegedly showed a female actor, and an actress who was allegedly instructed by Clarke to kiss a fellow actress. It is understood that none of the three featured in any of the Guardian's articles about Clarke.
Philip Williams, Clarke's lawyer, said the three are our witnesses … who were featured as part of [the Guardian’s] defense. Their point is: 'It's just not true, we were never contacted. Those allegations never happened'.'
Despite being in the newspaper's written defense, it is understood that none of the three have ever been a defense witness.
Clarke, 49, claims the allegations cost him lucrative acting roles, a BAFTA award and being dropped from the TV series he appeared in. His lawyers revealed last week that he wants to increase his damages from £10 million to £70 million.
Clarke is suing the guardian for defamation over a series of articles published in 2021 and 2022 that accused him of sexual misconduct and bullying
Clarke, 49, has vehemently denied any sexual misconduct or criminal wrongdoing
He claims the allegations cost him lucrative acting roles, a BAFTA award and being dropped from that TV series he appeared in
They alleged that he is the victim of a conspiracy and that sources used by the guardian are “completely fabricated and false allegations.”
Gavin Millar KC, the guardian's barrister, said there was 'no basis' for Clarke's claim of a conspiracy. Mrs Justice Steyn ruled that an application by Clarke's lawyers, including a new 'conspiracy' claim, would be adjourned until after the defamation trial.
The Guardian said: 'Our reporting on Noel Clarke in 2021 was based on the accounts of 20 brave women. After we published our first article, more women came forward. In what appears to be an 11th-hour bid to derail the trial, Mr Clarke makes a number of baseless claims about witnesses and journalists. '
The trial starts in March.
