Unpublished Sex Abuse Claims Against Celebrity Pose Ongoing Risk, High Court Told

Young women may continue to be at risk while sex abuse allegations against an unnamed celebrity remain secret, the High Court heard.

The well-known figure is seeking an injunction against ITN and The Guardian to prevent the reporting of claims of "inappropriate and exploitative" behavior involving a large number of girls and young women.

Gavin Millar KC, representing the media outlets, informed the court that journalistic research suggests the celebrity "abused his power... to prey on young women for sexual purposes over an extended period." In court documents, he stated that some allegations are serious enough to warrant a criminal investigation and that "Young women may remain at risk while this information remains unreported."

Millar added that several sources interviewed by the journalists were traumatized by their experiences, suffering severe mental health crises and other illnesses as a result. The media outlets have reportedly spoken to over 100 individuals concerning the celebrity, with 30 providing firsthand accounts.

He further argued that his clients acted responsibly by granting the celebrity an extended deadline to respond to the claims. "Even without our journalism, our contributors could and likely would find other ways of making their stories heard publicly and in a less curated, less contained, less journalistically responsible way," he said.

The celebrity's legal team is not arguing that the publication of the stories would breach his right to privacy, a common tactic in such cases. Instead, they contend that reporting the allegations would endanger his life and expose him to inhumane or degrading treatment. Millar described this argument as "unprecedented," while Sara Mansoori KC, for the celebrity, called the case "exceptional," noting that such a situation has not previously come before the court.

However, Millar countered that the state does not have a general duty to prevent suicide and that mental health concerns should be addressed by the National Health Service rather than through court injunctions. "There is no scope for an extended duty on this court," he asserted. "If he is in hospital, the professionals there will protect against the risk of his suicide."

Mr. Justice Nicklin, presiding over the case, indicated that he would reserve his judgment on the injunction request until next week. The celebrity denies any wrongdoing.