Anonymous celebrity to learn whether court will block publication of misconduct allegations

An unnamed celebrity known in court as PPT is due to learn Tuesday whether his attempt to stop the publication of sexual misconduct allegations has succeeded. Mr. Justice Nicklin is expected to deliver his decision at London’s High Court.

PPT is seeking an injunction against ITN and Guardian News to prevent the publication of allegations involving “inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities with a large number of girls and young women.” His lawyers argue that revealing his identity and the claims could pose a serious threat to his life.

During earlier proceedings, the legal team said PPT had indicated he would “very likely” take his own life if the allegations and his identity were made public. They said he had attempted suicide twice after being contacted by the media organizations for comment, and had subsequently been hospitalized and detained involuntarily.

PPT denies using his celebrity status to contact young women and teenagers in an attempt to have sex with them. His lawyers argued that any suicidal reaction would stem from the prospect of “trial by media,” rather than from the alleged conduct itself. They also said he had no intention of returning to public life if the allegations were published.

The media organizations defended their right to publish what they described as public-interest journalism. Their lawyers argued there was no legitimate basis for preventing publication and said PPT’s suicide risk could be reduced through mental health treatment.

Representing ITN and Guardian News, Gavin Millar said journalists had conducted a wide-ranging investigation and interviewed 100 people. He also told the court that several women who came forward had allegedly suffered trauma and mental health problems as a result of PPT’s conduct.

Judge Nicklin acknowledged the public interest in the case, describing it as difficult and important. He also stressed that he could not determine whether the allegations were true; his role was to decide whether ITN and Guardian News should be allowed to publish them.

Sources: Page Six.