Laurence Fox's Libel Appeal: Court Hears His Tweets Were Not Taken Seriously

Strategic Insights -

Actor-turned-activist Laurence Fox was sued by Stonewall CEO Simon Blake and drag artist Crystal (real name Colin Seymour) over a Twitter row in 2020. Fox called Blake and Seymour "paedophiles" in an exchange about a Black History Month decision by Sainsbury's. Fox is now challenging the rulings at the Court of Appeal in London, citing "errors of approach" by the judge and arguing that the harm caused was not serious. The court heard that Fox's use of the term was "rhetorical" and that many readers would not have taken it seriously.

Key Takeaways:

  • Laurence Fox was sued by Simon Blake and Colin Seymour (alias Crystal) over libelous tweets in 2020.
  • Fox called Blake and Seymour "paedophiles" in a Twitter exchange about a Sainsbury's Black History Month decision.
  • Fox is challenging the rulings at the Court of Appeal in London, citing "errors of approach" by the judge.
  • The court heard that Fox's use of the term "paedophiles" was "rhetorical" and not meant to be taken literally.
  • Fox's arguments claim that many readers would not have taken the tweets seriously, given the context.
  • The Court of Appeal is expected to conclude its hearing today.

Statistics:

  • The original trial took place in November 2023.
  • Mrs Justice Collins Rice ruled in favour of Blake and Seymour, awarding each £90,000 in damages.
  • Laurence Fox's appeal is being heard by Lord Justice Dingemans, Lady Justice Elisabeth Laing, and Lord Justice Warby.
  • The hearing is expected to conclude today.

Sources:

  • "Laurence Fox arriving at the Royal Courts of Justice in London yesterday"
  • "Actor-turned-actvist Laurence Fox was successfully sued by... over a row on Twitter"