Ex-GB News Host Laurence Fox’s Libel Trial Begins

Laurence Fox (right) arriving at the Royal Courts Of Justice, central London, for his libel trial. Mr Fox is being sued by former Stonewall trustee Simon Blake and drag artist Crystal, also known as Colin Seymour. Mr Fox is countersuing the pair along with actress Nicola Thorp. Wednesday November 22, 2023. (Press Association via AP Images)

Ex-GB News host Laurence Fox’s libel trial began at the High Court on Wednesday as the actor-turned-politician is embroiled in a legal battle over his tweets.

Simon Blake, former Stonewall trustee, and drag artist Crystal, are taking Fox to court in a high-profile case after his inflammatory remarks labelling Blake and Crystal, real name Colin Seymour, as “paedophiles.”

Fox, who denies the accusation, being branded “an intelligent racist with an agenda.”

The Reclaim Party founder has filed a counter-suit alleging significant personal and professional fallout, including the loss of his acting agent and disturbing incidents of harassment.

Lorna Skinner KC, representing the trio suing Fox, began by painting a picture of the actor’s social media history, including a tweet featuring pride flags arranged as a swastika and another where Fox appeared “blacked up,” describing himself as having “racially transitioned.” These posts, Skinner argued, are clear indicators of Fox’s racist tendencies.

Conversely, Patrick Green KC, defending Fox, refuted the notion that Blake and Seymour suffered tangible harm from the actor’s tweets. Green posited that the public would recognize Fox’s comments as a response to being called a racist, rather than literal accusations.

Green highlighted the adverse impact on Fox’s career, noting a stark decline in acting opportunities and loss of esteem among colleagues.

The trial is expected to conclude next week.