Today in Focus Behind the scenes of the Guardian’s libel battle with Noel Clarke
Sep 8, 2025
Sirin Kale, an investigative reporter at The Guardian known for her ground-breaking work, is joined by Lisa Graham, a seasoned proof witness from Comic Cons. They dive into the libel battle involving actor Noel Clarke, who accused the press of a conspiracy against him. The discussion reveals the immense courage it took for women to come forward and the emotional toll on both witnesses and journalists. Kale and Graham highlight the vital role of journalistic integrity, the implications of this legal victory, and its impact on the ongoing fight against sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.
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Sources Turned Court Witnesses
- Reporters asked many sources, including anonymous ones, to testify in court and 26 women ultimately came as truth witnesses.
- Lucy Osborne and Sirin Kale had to cut contact with sources while also serving as witnesses themselves.
Choosing To Testify Despite Trauma
- Lisa Graham decided to give evidence despite trauma and the Guardian's option to spare her, feeling she owed it to herself and the reporters.
- She felt anger at Clarke weaponising the legal system and wanted to defend her truth in court.
Dismissal And Conspiracy Defence
- Clarke's defence framed allegations as harmless banter or past behaviour, downplaying serious misconduct.
- He also accused women of joining a conspiracy, claiming motives like jealousy or attention-seeking.