Laurence Fox, actor turned right-wing activist and founder of the Reclaim party, has faced a legal setback in a high court libel battle against two men he labeled as paedophiles. Mrs Justice Collins Rice ruled in favor of Simon Blake, a former Stonewall trustee, and Crystal (Colin Seymour), a drag artist, who had accused Fox of racism during a Twitter dispute in October 2020.
The legal dispute arose after Fox called Blake and Seymour paedophiles on social media during a discussion about Sainsbury’s decision to provide a safe space for black employees during Black History Month. Fox’s call for a boycott of the supermarket prompted accusations of racism from Blake, Seymour, and Nicola Thorp, a former Coronation Street actor.
Fox counter-sued, asserting that being labeled a racist was a “reputation-destroying allegation” and “career-ending.” However, on Monday, his counter-claims were dismissed by Mrs Justice Collins Rice.
The judge stated, “Mr Fox’s labelling of Mr Blake and Mr Seymour as paedophiles was, on the evidence, probabilities and facts of this case, seriously harmful, defamatory and baseless.” She highlighted that Fox failed to demonstrate the truth of these allegations or provide a legal defense.
The issue of damages and any other remedies will be addressed at a later date.
Background of the Legal Battle
The legal dispute originated from a Twitter exchange where Fox, responding to accusations of racism, used the derogatory term against Blake and Seymour. Fox faced allegations of racism after calling for a boycott of Sainsbury’s during Black History Month.
Claims and Rejections
During the trial, Fox faced accusations of being an “intelligent racist with an agenda.” His defense against these accusations was unsuccessful, with the court dismissing his counter-claims. Fox suggested that being accused of racism had led to a decline in the number and quality of acting roles offered to him.
Controversial Statements During Trial
Throughout the trial, Fox made controversial statements, including downplaying the phrase “I hate black people” under certain contexts. He also dismissed the Black Lives Matter movement as a “grift” and labeled white privilege as “disgusting racism.”
Fox defended his criticism of successful black actors complaining about racism and questioned the casting of black actors in roles traditionally portrayed by white characters. He claimed that kneeling before rivals, as seen in footballers taking the knee, made them look like “cowards.”
The court heard Fox’s dismissal of the concept of white privilege, arguing it was a “racist insult” and emphasizing the existence of what he called “anti-right white racism.”
Aftermath and Future Proceedings
While the court has ruled against Fox in the libel battle, discussions regarding damages and potential remedies are pending. The legal fallout and the impact on Fox’s public image remain to be seen as the case progresses.
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