# British courts use gag orders to silence critics

> Two celebrity cases reveal how British courts issue gag orders to protect powerful figures from scrutiny.
- Title: British courts use gag orders to silence critics | Shortify
- Summary: Two celebrity cases reveal how British courts issue gag orders to protect powerful figures from scrutiny.
- Keywords: british courts, gag orders, russell brand, david walliams, injunctions, libel law, shadow justice minister, alex davies-jones, The Boston Globe
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/11/14/world/two-celebrity-cases-put-spotlight-british-courts-gag-orders
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: british courts, gag orders, russell brand, david walliams, injunctions, libel law, shadow justice minister, alex davies-jones, news, local
## Celebrity cases spotlight gag orders
Two recent cases have brought new attention to how british laws allow the wealthy and powerful to silence critics through court injunctions.
## Russell Brand's injunction case
Before his conviction this month, brand obtained an injunction prohibiting another accuser from telling almost anyone about her claims he assaulted her.
## David Walliams' temporary block
The guardian and itv news were temporarily blocked from reporting allegations against walliams before a judge declined to make the injunction permanent.
## Public outrage over gag orders
The revelations have provoked public and political outrage as judges issue 'super injunctions' that prohibit publishing even information about the injunction itself.
## Government response
The government is 'looking at what we can do' to prevent abuses of process and stop abusive injunctions that stop scrutiny and accountability.
## Historical roots of libel law
British libel law developed in the 17th century to stop aristocrats from settling reputational disputes by dueling, according to geoffrey robertson.
## Burden of proof difference
In britain, defendants bear the burden of proof for libel claims, unlike the united states where plaintiffs must prove statements are false.
## Media affordability challenges
As media profits fall, british newspapers and tv journalists struggle to afford deep-pocketed individuals for libel cases.
## Preventing speech through injunctions
British courts use injunctions to prevent speech that could cause distress, unlike the united states where prior restraint is disfavored.
## Government proposed solutions
Limiting gag order duration and banning orders preventing speech about harassment could address abuse of injunctions.
## Key takeaway

British courts have used injunctions to silence critics of celebrities like Russell Brand and David Walliams, sparking government action to address abuse of legal process.