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Celebrity injunction: British actor who took out injunction five years ago ‘to be identified in US’

The Sun was prevented from publishing a story by an injunction put in place five years ago 

Heather Saul
Thursday 05 May 2016 13:37 BST
Royal Courts of Justice
Royal Courts of Justice

A British actor who took out an injunction five years ago to prevent a tabloid from reporting on his alleged sexual activity with a former escort will reportedly be identified in the US today.

The man secured the injunction in 2011 after High Court judges agreed it violated his right to privacy. A decision was made at a later date to allow the media to identify Helen Wood, a former sex worker and reality TV star who appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014.

The married actor allegedly paid £195 to have sex with Ms Wood. He was described by Lord Justice King in the initial hearing as a “world famous celebrity”.

A report by The Sun claims he will be identified in a US magazine while the injunction remains in place in the UK, meaning he cannot be named by publications here.

The report comes as five Supreme Court judges continue to consider whether an injunction preventing The Sun on Sunday from reporting on a celebrity’s alleged “extra-marital activities” should be lifted. The man, named in court documents as PJS, has been identified by publications in the US, Scotland, Australia and by a political blogger.

They said they will return their decision as soon as possible but have not set a date. Supreme Court president Lord Neuberger said the court would “take time to consider this matter” on 21 April.

Super injunctions 'untenable'

The injunction remains in place until a decision is reached.

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