An anonymous male celebrity is fighting to keep his identity secret as several news organizations attempt to publish allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
The celebrity, known as PPT, sought an injunction at London’s High Court, with his legal team telling the court on Tuesday that publishing the article would make his client “highly likely” to attempt suicide, the BBC reported.
The lawyers said their client’s reaction would be the result of concern about “trial by media” rather than wrongdoing, saying he vehemently denied using “his power and celebrity position to contact and form relationships with young women and teenage boys to try to have sex with them.”
The news agencies involved, Guardian News and Media (GNM) and ITN, supported their right to publish their stories, arguing that there was no legitimate basis “for restricting the publication of public interest journalism” and that the celebrity’s “risk of suicide” could be reduced.
According to a medical report, the celebrity could undergo treatment that would significantly improve his mental health but would not completely alleviate the risk, according to the BBC.
Sara Mansoori KC, the lawyer representing PPT, said the only reason the published articles would not be fatal is because her client would be “locked up and prevented from ending his life.”
According to Mansoori, his client attempted suicide twice after receiving notice from GNM and ITN, asking him to comment on the allegations. PPT was discharged from the hospital after the first attempt and tried again.
“This is not a case where an individual has falsely raised ‘mental health’ concerns in the face of an impending publication which they do not wish to take place,” Mansoori told the court.
“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 lawyer continued, adding that PPT “does not intend to return to public life.”
As for Gavin Millar, the lawyer representing ITN and GNM, the media collected “numerous allegations” throughout the “extensive and rigorous investigation”, noting that journalists interviewed 100 people.
Miller said many of the women who came forward “were traumatized by the claimant’s alleged conduct and suffered mental health crises and mental illnesses as a result.”
Mr Justice Nicklin, the judge in the case, acknowledged there was public interest in the case, saying it was “difficult and important”.
Nicklin confirmed he could not confirm the allegations against the celebrity, saying he was only responsible for determining whether the claims could be published by ITN and Guardian News.
The judge also urged the public to refrain from speculating about the identity of the celebrity.
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