High Court denies permanent injunction but keeps temporary anonymity for unnamed celebrity

A High Court judge rejected a claim for a permanent injunction that would have barred two news organisations from publishing the identity of an unnamed celebrity and allegations of sexual misconduct. The judge, Mr Justice Nicklin, said the claim was dismissed and that the court had not assessed the truth of the allegations.

"The claimant's claim for an injunction was dismissed," the judgment read.

A temporary injunction remains in force, preserving the man's anonymity and restricting reporting while he considers an appeal. The celebrity, who denies the allegations, argued that publication would pose a serious risk to his mental health and could lead to self-harm.

ITN and the Guardian contend that publishing the allegations serves the public interest, citing a wide-ranging investigation that involved statements from more than 100 individuals and suggested a pattern of behaviour. Their counsel, Gavin Millar KC, said the allegations have caused trauma and mental-health crises for several women.

The celebrity's legal team highlighted his suicide risk, describing two attempts following contact from the media outlets and subsequent hospitalisation. They argued that the risk stems from fear of a "trial by media" rather than any wrongdoing.

A medical report submitted to the court indicated that inpatient treatment could significantly, though not completely, mitigate the risk, and that extended treatment might reduce it further.