Young women 'may remain at risk' while sex abuse claims against an unnamed celebrity remain secret, High Court hears

Published: 13:02 EDT, 28 October 2026 | Updated: 13:07 EDT, 28 October 2026 Young women 'may remain at risk' while sex abuse claims against an unnamed celebrity remain secret, the High Court heard.The well-known figure is seeking an injunction against ITN and the Guardian to stop them reporting allegations of 'inappropriate and exploitative' behaviour with 'a large number' of girls and young women.Gavin Millar KC, for the media outlets, said the journalists' research suggested the celebrity had 'abused his power...to prey on young women for sexual purposes over an extended period'.In paperwork submitted to the court, he said: 'Some of the allegations are sufficiently serious to justify a criminal investigation.'Young women may remain at risk while this information remains unreported.'Several of [the journalists'] sources were traumatised by how they were treated by [the celebrity], having suffered serious mental health crises and other mental illness as a result.'In total, the media outlets have spoken to more than 100 people in relation to the celebrity, 30 of whom had first-hand accounts, the court heard.Mr Millar added that his clients had acted responsibly by giving the celebrity an extended deadline within which to respond to the claims. The celebrity's lawyers have told the High Court that he will kill himself if the allegations against him are published'Even without our journalism, our contributors could and likely would find other ways of making their stories heard publicly and in a less curated, less contained, less journalistically responsible way,' he said.Rather than claiming the stories would breach his right to privacy, as celebrities have historically done when seeking injunctions, the unnamed individual says they would endanger his life and expose him to inhumane or degrading treatment.Mr Millar described the argument as 'unprecedented', while Sara Mansoori KC, for the celebrity, said the case was 'exceptional', adding: 'A case such as this hasn't come before the court before.'However, Mr Millar said the state has no general duty to prevent people from killing themselves, and its duty to treat mental health should be dealt with by the NHS rather than the courts.'There is no scope for an extended duty on this court,' he said. 'If he is in hospital, the professionals there will protect against the risk of his suicide.'Mr Justice Nicklin, who is hearing the case, said he would reserve judgment on whether to grant an injunction until next week.The celebrity denies any wrongdoing.