Guardian editor Kath Viner: ‘Clear public interest’ in exposing Noel Clarke allegations

Kath Viner says newspaper reported on what was "something of an open secret" in the film and TV industry.

Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner. Picture: David Levene/The Guardian

Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner felt there was a “very clear public interest” in exposing allegations of misconduct against Noel Clarke after his Bafta win, she told the High Court on Friday.

Viner said she is responsible for everything the newspaper publishes, and in that capacity took the decision to publish the Clarke investigation.

Clarke, 49, is suing the newspaper’s publisher, Guardian News and Media (GNM), over seven articles and a podcast, including an article from April 2021 that said 20 women who knew Mr Clarke professionally had come forward with allegations of misconduct.