A judge has ruled that an anonymous celebrity in the UK can ultimately be identified in court proceedings, although the name cannot be published while a possible appeal is considered.
The celebrity had argued that being named could lead to a risk of suicide. Lawyers for the individual said the application for anonymity was not an admission of guilt, but a response to the possibility of being subjected to a “trial by media”.
The case concerns allegations that the celebrity abused their fame and status over several years to pursue inappropriate sexual relationships with numerous girls and young women. The allegations are denied.
Lawyers representing ITN and The Guardian argued that any suicide risk could be reduced through treatment, and that the allegations were sufficiently important to remain in the public domain.
Matthew Nicklin, the judge overseeing the case, described it as “difficult and important” and stressed that the evidence had to be weighed fairly.
The judge had previously warned members of the public against attempting to identify the celebrity, saying they could face imprisonment if they continued to do so.
