Celebrity Cases Put British Courts’ Gag Orders in the Spotlight
Brand injunction revealed
Before Russell Brand’s conviction last week, he obtained an injunction preventing another accuser from discussing her allegations with almost anyone, including police, family members and most doctors. Brand has denied her claims that he assaulted her.
The order was first revealed by Dan Neidle, a tax lawyer and free-expression activist. It apparently remains in force, even after Brand’s conviction in a separate rape and sexual assault trial.
Walliams reporting temporarily blocked
Two British news organizations were temporarily barred from reporting sexual misconduct allegations against television personality and children’s author David Walliams. A judge later declined to make the injunction permanent.
Calls for changes to law
The cases have fueled outrage over injunctions used to protect reputations and restrict scrutiny. In other cases, judges have issued “super injunctions,” which also bar publication of information about the orders themselves.
Key points
- Brand obtained an injunction restricting an accuser’s ability to discuss her allegations.
- A judge declined to make the temporary injunction against reporting on Walliams permanent.
- Both Brand and Walliams deny allegations against them.
- The government says it is considering possible action on injunctions.