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GB News Presenter and Commentator Pay Damages to Green Party Deputy Leader Over False Riot Claims
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Defamation Settlement
A High Court hearing in London concluded that GB News presenter Alex Armstrong and social-media commentator Bernadette Spofforth have apologized and agreed to pay “substantial damages” to Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali. The court heard that the pair posted on X that Ali had taken part in the 2024 Harehills riots in Leeds, contrary to evidence that he was on the scene to calm tensions and assist police. The exact monetary figure was not disclosed.
Background: Harehills Disturbances and Online Smears
The riots erupted in July 2024 in the Harehills district of Leeds, involving fires and confrontations between residents and police. A senior police officer later requested Ali’s help; he acted as a liaison, escorted people from danger, and helped extinguish fires. Far-right, Islamophobic accounts on X subsequently shared posts alleging that Ali, a Muslim councillor, had joined the rioting and attempted to link the disorder to “Islamic immigration.”
Official Statements & Responses
Green Party leader Zack Polanski called Ali “a hero” and framed the settlement as a victory against “right-wing smears” targeting politicians from ethnic-minority backgrounds. West Yorkshire Police confirmed they are investigating threatening messages received by Ali after the false claims. Ali’s legal representative, Axel Landin, emphasized that Ali was repeatedly confronted in public, subjected to “vile racist abuse,” and that his family lived in fear, with his car damaged.
Data & Reach of the Defamatory Posts
Armstrong’s two X posts amassed more than 3.1 million combined views, while Spofforth’s post was viewed about 216 000 times. The amplification contributed to widespread harassment of Ali and his family.
Verbatim Quotes
- “While buses burned, I stayed there to limit the damage. To limit the harm to my community and for my service to my community, I was not only accused of rioting, but something I take even more seriously: my honesty was brought into question.” — Royal Courts of Justice, following the settlement, Mothin Ali.
The case underscores the legal risks of publishing unverified accusations about public figures, especially when such claims intersect with anti-Muslim sentiment and are amplified on social media.