Archive March 7, 2025

A newspaper acted as the “judge, jury and executioner” of actor Noel Clarke’s career and reputation, the High Court has heard.

The 49-year-old is suing Guardian News and Media (GNM) over seven articles and a podcast, including an article in April 2021 which said 20 women who knew Clarke in a professional capacity had come forward with allegations of misconduct.

Clarke, who denies the allegations, attended the third day of the libel trial on Friday at the Royal Courts of Justice, as his case was opened after delays. GNM has said it will defend its reporting as being both true and in the public interest.

Clarke’s barrister Philip Williams told the court that his client was “one of the first success stories from the black community in British television and cinema”. He said that the actor was wrongly called a sexual predator, adding: “A sexual predator is not a womaniser, or someone who has had an extramarital affair, or a flirt, or a man who looks for mutually beneficial opportunities for sexual intercourse. Mr Clarke is absolutely not, and never has been, a sexual predator. The Guardian has got it plum wrong”.

The barrister continued: “The Guardian acted like archaeologists, and tried to dig up the past… they came up with a story that had more holes than a colander”. In written submissions for the trial – which will only deal with liability and not the assessment of any damages – Mr Williams said the actor “has clearly established the falsity of all of the allegations”.

Mr Williams said that while GNM’s investigation took place over three-and-a-half weeks, Clarke was “barely able to reply to the allegations” and was only originally given 24 hours to respond. The barrister also told the High Court in London that the articles were not framed “in an even-handed tone”, adding: “As journalists, the defendant did not simply call for an inquiry, it played the role of judge, jury and executioner of the claimant’s career and reputation”.

Mr Williams said Clarke has worked on around 135 projects and engagements in his career, having contact with thousands of people, with the allegations related to only nine productions. The barrister continued: “Since the publication, he has become ‘ completely exiled ‘ from the film industry and is perceived as a criminal by all those who previously trusted and worked with him”.

The court previously heard that Clarke has asked to amend his claim, with the hearing of this bid due to take place after the libel trial concludes. As well as increasing his claim for special damages to more than £70 million, the actor wants to bring a claim over allegations that multiple people conspired against him using fabricated allegations of misconduct or sexual assault.

In written submissions for the trial, Mr Williams said that GNM’s sources were “hostile” and had “an axe to grind” against the Doctor Who actor. The barrister told the court that 14 of the alleged complainants were involved in a conspiracy and that the journalists involved in the articles were aware.

He said in oral submissions: “The Guardian had got caught up in a nasty conspiracy and they put their hands over their eyes”. Gavin Millar KC, for GNM, said that the paper “did not simply accept what was said to it”. He told the court: “There was a three-and-a-half week investigation involving two reporters working full time on the story… Much time and resource was devoted to getting to the truth”.

The barrister said in written submissions that there is “ample evidence” that all of the articles were true or substantially true. He said: “The defendant will adduce evidence from 16 women who experienced the claimant’s misconduct first-hand, some of them on multiple occasions. There is no motive for them to lie and the claimant has not suggested any, beyond making wild allegations as to an alleged conspiracy”.

Mr Millar added: “These witnesses have remained willing to give their evidence voluntarily despite the fact that, over the course of litigation, the claimant has published a number of statements on social media and elsewhere expressly or impliedly denigrating those who have made allegations against him”.

The barrister said that one of the witnesses, who can only be referred to as “Imogen”, was told by Clarke that he would go to the police if she did not agree to meet his solicitors.

Mr Millar said that to successfully defend the case on the grounds of truth, GNM does not need to prove every incident alleged, adding: “It needs only to prove that there are grounds to believe that the claimant engaged in the type of behaviour alleged in the relevant meaning”.

A judge previously found that seven of the articles “mean that there are strong grounds to believe that the claimant is guilty of various forms of sexual harassment” with the eighth meaning “grounds to investigate”.

Mr Millar later said that GNM reasonably believed that publishing all of the statements at the centre of the libel case was in the public interest. He continued: “The evidence which will be given by the defendant’s senior editors and journalists, supported by contemporaneous documentary records … will show that the defendant’s editors believed publication to be in the public interest”.

The hearing before Mrs Justice Steyn is due to conclude in April, with a decision expected in writing at a later date.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeandThreads.

Danny Jones risks looking “calculated” as time goes on after fans flood his wife Georgia Horsley’s social media with words of support following the singer’s kiss with Maura Higgins.

The 38-year-old, who is married to Georgia, was spotted sharing a drunken kiss with his I’m A Celebrity co-star at Universal’s BRIT Awards afterparty earlier this week, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry. The two appeared to get on as friends in the jungle, but it seems things have taken a romantic turn after they were spotted cosying up.

Maura, who was dating fellow reality TV star Pete Wicks up until recently, has also kept her silence since the kiss.

Now, a PR crisis expert has warned the singer needs to speak out sooner rather than later to avoid looking “calculated” to fans. Speaking to the Mirror, Edward Coram-James, CEO, of Go Up, warns: “Danny needs to speak sooner rather than later. Silence will only fuel the fire and make him look evasive – worse – calculated”.

He adds: “Under no circumstances should he use the dreaded notes app/Instagram apology – so overdone and formulaic at this point that it’s a tired cliché and also so easy to hide behind, especially with comments turned off.

” The authenticity needs to come across in a more meaningful way, perhaps through a well-thought-out, personal statement – possibly an interview or video where he speaks directly to the camera.

“On the flipside, Danny doesn’t need to over-explain or make it sound like he’s sorry but it’s someone else’s fault or he was under pressure. He’s an adult and his actions are on him. He doesn’t need to go on a long-winded apology tour. Acknowledge the hurt, own it, and then promise to do better moving forward. That’s the formula for him to start rebuilding. Short, simple, and sincere. Fans and sceptics alike can handle that”.

Danny’s wife, a former Miss England model, recently cancelled upcoming public appearances at the Baby Show with her Mum’s the Word podcast co-host Kelsey Parker – and an insider told The Mirror that she’s keen to shield the pair’s seven-year-old son Cooper from the fallout.

“Georgia is struggling at the moment. She isn’t just having to navigate the circumstances, but doing it publicly”, the source said. “She has been humiliated. People are quick to forget there is a child in the middle of this mess”.

Meanwhile, the couple are reportedly in crunch talks amid the drunken kiss and are “keen to move on” from the scandal. “This saga has been embarrassing and Danny had a lot of explaining to do”, a source claimed.

Rumours on social media have speculated that while Danny is still married to Georgia, the pair may have privately separated. While this hasn’t been confirmed, it’s likely the McFly singer will address the accusations in the coming days.

Danny was crowned King of the Jungle in the 2024 ITV show, with fans at the time commenting on the pair’s “chemistry”. Some are even claiming to have spotted the precise moment that Maura “fell in love with Danny”, after a video of her gazing at the singer while he serenaded the camp on guitar gained lots of attention and comments at the time it aired.

Tonight, a press conference will be held regarding the tragic and mysterious deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa who passed away on February 17, 2025.

The couple was found dead, along with their dog, in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home under puzzling circumstances, and authorities are expected to reveal further details on the investigation. Here’s everything we know so far.

Gene, 95, known for his iconic roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Hoosiers, was found alongside his wife of over 30 years, Betsy, 65, and one of their dogs. Their bodies were discovered after a maintenance worker requested a wellness check, after seeing the pair unresponsive in their home. Initial reports indicated no external signs of foul play, but the cause of their deaths remains unclear.

The couple’s deaths have raised a number of questions, particularly as they had been dead for over a week before being discovered, with Gene’s pacemaker data suggesting his heart stopped on February 17. Authorities have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, and the autopsy results have yet to provide a definitive explanation. The couple’s bodies were reportedly showing signs of decomposition and were partially mummified – with some speculating a ‘ companion suicide ‘ as the cause of death.

Police have said that Gene was found dead in the house’s mud room, with his cane and sunglasses near him on the ground, while his wife was discovered lying on the bathroom floor with prescription pills strewn across the nearby countertop. However, a chief medical examiner has debunked the possibility of a suicide pact, saying that in “cases like that”, the couple are usually found next to each other in bed. Speaking to People, James Gill, Connecticut’s Chief Medical Examiner, said it is “not likely” the pair took their own lives together, revealing: “I’ve seen cases like that – usually they’re together in bed. The fact that they’re in two separate locations tells me that I think that’s less likely”.

Gene and Betsy lived a reclusive life away from the spotlight after the award-winning actor chose to distance himself from fame. He pursued acting because of his passion for film, not for the attention and fame that came with it. Gene had three children with his first wife, Faye Maltese: his son, Christopher Allen, 65, and daughters Elizabeth Jean, 63, and Leslie Anne, 58. Gene’s children are currently awaiting the results of the ongoing investigation into their father and stepmother’s deaths.

Chilling body camera footage from the scene of Gene Hackman’s death is expected to be released soon. The sheriff’s office in Santa Fe, is combing through footage now from the ten deputies who arrived at the scene. One of the key pieces of information to establish from the footage was to what extent the property was secured. It comes amid conflicting reports about the door being left open or not. Cops are trying to establish a “fully rounded picture” and to ensure they haven’t missed any key information or details that could prove crucial to the case. This footage could then be released to the public. It comes as cops are trying to crack the two mobile phones that were found at the scene.

Forensic investigators were being brought in to unlock two devices found at the scene, as authorities aimed to establish a timeline for Gene and his Betsy’s mysterious deaths. Key to solving the case were the toxicology tests on the couple’s bodies, which could reveal if the pills found near Betsy’s body played a role in her death. Police also planned to question Gene’s three children as part of the investigation into their final days. The couple was found dead in separate rooms in their home and it’s unclear if the children have been interviewed yet.

The press conference will include updates from investigators, as well as insights from medical professionals who have been examining the case. The details are still emerging, but the event is set to offer new information on what could have happened in the days leading up to Gene and Arakawa’s deaths.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Mindy Kaling has opened up about the headline moment Meghan Markle corrected her on the pronunciation of her name.

Earlier this week, 43-year-old Meghan dropped the first season of her lifestyle show, titled With Love, Meghan, on to Netflix. In her show, Meghan throws open the doors to her hired home where she shares anecdotes about her life and prepares meals for an array of close friends.

Viewers were surprised when the former Suits actress – who has been married to Prince Harry since 2018 – corrected actress and writer Mindy over her name. As the cameras rolled, the Morning Show star referred to the Duchess by her name, prompting Meghan to remark: “It’s so funny too, that you keep saying Meghan Markle… You know I’m Sussex now”.

The exchange raised eyebrows as Meghan and her family do not have the last name Sussex. Prince Harry technically has no last name – while his father, King Charles III, has the last name Mountbatten-Windsor – which is also listed as the last name of five-year-old Prince Archie and three-year-old Princess Lilibet.

Prince Harry and Meghan were granted the titles Duke and Duchess of Sussex following their marriage – but this did not replace their last names, and, indeed, Meghan is listed as Meghan Markle on the birth certificate of Lilibet, who was born in California. Mindy has discussed the fanfare surrounding the moment Meghan corrected her about her name.

Appearing on The View on Thursday, host Alyssa Farah Griffin asked Mindy what the experience was like for her. The comedy star replied: “You know, I had a great time. I noticed that whenever I do something, anything related to Meghan, it becomes… big news”.

Recalling the moment, filmed nine months ago, Mindy continued: “We were making sandwiches, and then they’ll push in on my face on TikTok and they’ll be like, ‘ Look at this emotion you felt, ‘ and I honestly didn’t even remember it”. She added: “I loved my time with Meghan. I’m also like, let her promote her show… It was great and really fascinating seeing the reaction”.

On Friday, Netflix confirmed that With Love, Meghan, will return for a second season – despite the fact the first season had been roundley panned by critics and viewers alike. In an online announcement, the streamer revealed: “And now, there’s more joy to be shared as With Love, Meghan returns later this fall. The second season has completed filming.

” For those looking to try some of Meghan and her guests ‘ favorite recipes and crafts at home, check out our collection of some of the show’s how-tos here. Plus, now you can use products personally developed by Meghan for her lifestyle brand, As ever. Launching this spring, it showcases a collection of items like the aforementioned flower sprinkles, teas, and baking mixes that will change seasonally. “

As well as Mindy, season one of the show saw American chef Alice Waters, Korean-American chef Roy Choi, make-up artist Daniel Martin, entrepreneur Victoria Jackson and literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh join Meghan for conversations over food. Argentine socialite Delfina Blaquier, Taiwanese-American businesswoman Vicky Tsai, and Hollywood actress Abigail Spencer also featured on the show.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.