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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Fan Encounter Turned Harassment
- Lisa Graham describes meeting Noel Clarke at Bournemouth Comic Con and experiencing repeated sexual propositions and a hand touching her inner thigh.
- She pulled away, remembers the moment vividly, and later contacted The Guardian after seeing the 2021 article.
Pattern Across Years And Power
- Allegations spanned from 2004 to at least 2019, with later reporting reaching 2021, showing years of recurrent behaviour.
- Reporters found strikingly consistent descriptions and escalation as Clarke gained power.
Humiliation And Coerced Exposure
- Allegations included bullying, workplace sexual comments, secret recordings and sharing explicit images without consent.
- Many accounts shared themes of humiliation and professional misconduct during filming and auditions.