Noel Clarke has reportedly been arrested in London, after losing his libel case against The Guardian last month.
According to Deadline, the Doctor Who and Kidulthood actor was arrested at his family home in Kensington yesterday (Thursday September 25). The reason for his arrest is not yet known, at the time of writing.
Clarke was questioned in custody, but later released.
The Guardian has also reported on Clarke’s arrest, claiming that detectives had searched his property. Police were seen leaving the residence with boxes said to contain a laptop and documents. The Sun, meanwhile, has published photos of officers carrying the items.
The Metropolitan Police reportedly launched its investigation on September 1 this year. It is being led by the central specialist crime command.
The Guardian contacted the Metropolitan police for comment.
Clarke sued The Guardian for defamation in 2023, after it published an exposé in 2021 detailing alleged sexual assault and bullying. He was accused of sexual misconduct by more than 20 women.
BAFTA suspended his membership and Outstanding British Contribution To Cinema award shortly after the claims were published. At the time, Clarke released a statement to “vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing”, and called the allegations “false”.
Clarke’s libel claim was dismissed on August 22. The judge, Mrs Justice Steyn, said The Guardian had “succeeded in defending its stories on the grounds of truth and publication in the public interest”.
Per the judgement, Steyn explained: “I have accepted some of Mr Clarke’s evidence… but overall I find that he was not a credible or reliable witness.”
At the beginning of this year, a judge rejected Clarke’s request to have The Guardian’s defence struck out in a court case between the two parties. In 2022, he brought a defamation lawsuit against BAFTA, but he later dropped the case.
For more help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
