Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali has received damages and apologies after being falsely accused of involvement in the 2024 Harehills unrest.
01Summary
- 01Mothin Ali, a Leeds City councillor and Green Party deputy leader, was defamed by GB News presenter Alex Armstrong and commentator Bernadette Spofforth on X.
- 02Ali attended the 18 July 2024 Harehills unrest to assist police and appeal for calm, but posts falsely accused him of participating in the disorder.
- 03Both Armstrong and Spofforth have apologised and agreed to pay 'substantial damages' after the High Court heard the case.
- 04Ali said the smears left a 'stench' even after being proven false, and that he and his family were harassed for weeks.
- 05The unrest involved hundreds of people, a police car overturned, and a double-decker bus set on fire.
02Why it matters
This case highlights the reputational harm of false online accusations, particularly for people of colour in public life, and reinforces legal consequences for defamation.
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