Laurence Fox Engages in Libel Battle Stemming from Twitter Dispute
Laurence Fox is engaged in a libel case following an incident on Twitter where he labeled two individuals as pedophiles, resulting in a legal confrontation.
The dispute began with Fox, an actor and political figure, clashing with former Stonewall trustee Simon Blake and drag performer known as Crystal, birth name Colin Seymour, over his comments calling for a boycott of Sainsbury's for their support of Black History Month.
Fox's remarks led to him being termed a racist, prompting his counter-lawsuit for defamation against Blake, Seymour, and actress Nicola Thorp.
Fox refutes claims of racism and contends that this controversy led to the loss of his acting agent. His opposition, represented by Lorna Skinner KC, argues that Fox's own statements about race have brought any reputational damage upon himself, citing a provocative tweet featuring pride flags arranged as a swastika.
Skinner asserted that Fox made numerous contentious comments about race, characterizing him as an intelligent racist with a purposeful agenda.
In defense, Patrick Green KC claimed Fox's controversial tweets were misunderstood, suggesting they were in response to being accused of racism and that Blake and Seymour did not face tangible repercussions.
While acknowledging that the two received abuse online, Green attributed this to internet trolls and emphasized the significant impact on Fox's reputation.
The high-profile trial, presided over by Mrs Justice Collins Rice, is ongoing and will conclude next week, with a verdict to be announced later on.