Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Qasim Akhtar Wins Libel Damages From The Sun
Qasim Akhtar, known for his role in Coronation Street, won a libel case against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun.
The newspaper had published false claims in November 2025 that Akhtar was linked to extremism, radicalisation, and had undergone firearms training in Pakistan.
The Sun later apologised, admitted the allegations were false, and agreed to pay substantial damages.
Akhtar's legal team argued that the false claims had seriously damaged his reputation, affected his family life, and caused him to miss out on business opportunities.
The settlement concluded the legal dispute, with NGN formally accepting responsibility and retracting the false allegations.
Qasim Akhtar won substantial libel damages from News Group Newspapers (NGN).
The Sun published false allegations linking Akhtar to extremism and radicalisation.
Akhtar denied the allegations, causing serious harm to his reputation.
The Sun apologised, admitted the claims were false, and agreed not to repeat them.
The settlement included substantial damages and legal costs for Akhtar.
- Who
- Qasim Akhtar, a former Coronation Street actor, and News Group Newspapers (NGN)
- What
- Libel case over false allegations published by The Sun
- When
- Allegations published in November 2025; settlement reached later
- Where
- High Court
- Why
- To address false allegations that caused serious harm to Akhtar's reputation
Qasim Akhtar
News Group Newspapers (NGN)
Allegations Against Akhtar
Qasim Akhtar
Denied all allegations, claimed they were false and caused serious harm to his reputation.
News Group Newspapers (NGN)
Published false allegations linking Akhtar to extremism and radicalisation.
Apology and Retraction
Qasim Akhtar
Accepted the apology and retraction, sought substantial damages and legal costs.
News Group Newspapers (NGN)
Apologised, admitted the allegations were false, and agreed not to repeat them.
- Actor Involved
- Qasim Akhtar
- Publisher Involved
- News Group Newspapers (NGN)
- Newspaper Involved
- The Sun
- Date of Allegations
- November 2025
- Nature of Allegations
- Links to extremism, radicalisation, and firearms training in Pakistan
- Outcome
- Substantial libel damages awarded to Akhtar