UK CELEBRITY LOSES HIGH COURT BID TO BLOCK SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS

A High Court judge has dismissed a bid by an unnamed British celebrity to prevent ITN and The Guardian from publishing allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Mr Justice Nicklin rejected the man's application for a permanent injunction after a hearing earlier this month, according to the ruling. The allegations claim that the man abused a position of power to engage in "inappropriate sexual activities with a large number of girls and young women". He denies the allegations. The man, referred to in the proceedings by the cipher PPT, remains anonymous for now. A temporary order preventing him from being named remains in place while he pursues an appeal against the ruling.

Mr Justice Nicklin said in his ruling: "The claimant's claim for an injunction was dismissed." He added that the court "did not determine whether the allegations, or any of them, were true", and said the dismissal "does not amount to approval of any publication the defendants may decide to make". Lawyers representing the man told the court that it was "highly likely" he would attempt to take his own life if the allegations were published. They said he had previously attempted suicide on two occasions. Lawyers for ITN and The Guardian argued that publishing the allegations, including the man's identity, would be in the public interest.

The man's identity could potentially be made public once the appeal is resolved. Mr Justice Nicklin's ruling does not determine whether or when ITN and The Guardian will publish the allegations. No date has been given for the appeal hearing. The case was heard at London's High Court.