In a significant legal victory, drag artist Crystal, also known as Colin Seymour, emerged triumphant in a libel case against former actor Laurence Fox for using defamatory and homophobic language. The ruling sent a strong message against online abuse and highlighted the challenges faced by individuals in protecting their reputations.
In January 2024, drag artist Crystal, real name Colin Seymour, emerged victorious in a libel case against former actor Laurence Fox, leader of the right-wing Reclaim Party. The legal battle began in October 2020 when Crystal accused Fox of racist behavior on Twitter after he called for a boycott of Sainsbury’s for supporting Black History Month. Fox retaliated by labeling Crystal and Simon Blake, a former Stonewall trustee, as “paedophiles,” a defamatory and homophobic slur. Broadcaster Nicola Thorp was also targeted, though she did not participate in the lawsuit.
The court ordered Fox to pay £180,000 in damages to be split between Crystal and Blake, with Crystal indicating plans to include Thorp in the division of the award. The ruling was seen as a significant victory against online abuse and homophobic slurs, marking an important legal precedent. Crystal expressed that the win was not just personal but a triumph for the entire queer community often subjected to bullying and defamation.
The case highlighted the ongoing issue of online abuse and the challenges faced by individuals in defending their reputations against baseless accusations. Since the incident, Crystal has observed a noticeable change in social interactions, facing both online and offline harassment, which they attribute to Fox’s defamatory remarks. The court also issued an injunction against Fox, warning of potential imprisonment if he repeats similar defamatory statements against Crystal.
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