Noel Clarke loses appeal ahead of Guardian libel trial

Noel Clarke has lost his appeal in a legal battle against Guardian News and Media over allegations of sexual misconduct published in 2021 and 2022. The Court of Appeal rejected Clarke's bid to amend his libel claim by adding six new defendants and raising the damages sought to over £70 million, with judges stating that his conspiracy claims had not been established satisfactorily. Lord Justice Warby emphasized that the trial judge's decisions were fair and did not violate principles of natural justice. Clarke, who denies all allegations and claims they are fabricated, is pursuing a libel and data protection case, which is set to go to trial on March 3, 2025. The Guardian plans to defend its reporting as true and in the public interest, supported by numerous witness statements. Clarke's legal team had argued that delaying the conspiracy claims would hinder his chance of vindication, but the court disagreed.