The anonymous celebrity who fought to prevent the publication of articles accusing him of sexual misconduct could be named after missing an appeal deadline.
The unnamed Briton had until 4:30 p.m. Monday to appeal to the High Court in London, but will remain anonymous until the Guardian and ITN, the defendants in the case, publish his name, according to the Standard.
Lawyers for the media previously told the court they wanted to highlight allegations that the man abused his power and celebrity position to make contact and form relationships with young women and teenage boys with the aim of trying to have sex with them.
The man has denied the allegations against him, including in May 2022 when the Guardian initially approached him.
Since then, the outlet and ITN have worked together on an ongoing investigation, interviewing more than 100 people and gathering 30 additional sources, who have shown the media emails, messages and documents relating to the allegations.
In late October, the celebrity attempted to stop the media from publishing the stories, telling the court that it would violate his right to privacy, with his lawyer adding that it would be “very likely” that his client would attempt suicide.
The celebrity then threatened suicide multiple times, fearing a “trial by media” if his name was revealed.
“The plaintiff attempted suicide twice as a result of these events, was hospitalized for months, was subject to involuntary detention, and was examined by several doctors – now more than 10,” the man’s lawyer told the court, noting that he “does not intend to return to public life.”
The man had previously been admitted to the psychiatric hospital after the media sent him letters containing nearly 300 points about allegations of sexual misconduct in May, according to court documents.
At the time, media outlets were seeking comments from the man on the allegations against him. The man also attempted suicide in July after leaving the hospital for a short time.
A lawyer for ITN and the Guardian argued that the women who reported the man “were traumatized by the claimant’s alleged conduct and suffered mental health crises and mental illness as a result”.
Justice Matthew Nicklin argued the reporting was in the public interest and an injunction would infringe on free speech.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line to 741741.
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