Former Coronation Street actor Qasim Akhtar has won a libel settlement against News Group Newspapers, the publisher of The Sun, over false allegations linking him to extremism.
The Manchester-born actor secured substantial damages in the High Court on July 23, 2026, after the tabloid published an article in November falsely claiming he had backed an Islamic cleric, moved to Pakistan, and undertaken firearms training.
Publisher Admits Falsehood
News Group Newspapers offered an unreserved apology in court, acknowledging the story was false and undertaking never to repeat the allegations.
Andrew Wheelhouse, representing the publisher, said: "The defendant acknowledges that the article should never have been published and has undertaken never to repeat the allegations."
Daniel Taylor, Akhtar's lawyer, detailed the severe impact on the actor's personal and professional life.
He noted that the defamatory claims forced Akhtar to put his business opportunities on hold while the legal matter was resolved.
Taylor also highlighted that the publisher failed to seek a response from the actor before printing the allegations.
"The libel was compounded by the fact that the defendant has acknowledged that it failed to obtain Mr Akhtar's response to these very serious allegations prior to publication," he said.
Actor Speaks Out
Although Akhtar did not attend the court proceedings, he previously addressed the situation on social media, expressing the severe emotional strain caused by the publication.
"An article was published about me with false allegations that deeply affected me, my reputation, my family, my safety and my peace of mind," Akhtar said.
The actor reflected on his personal faith journey following his return from performing the Umrah pilgrimage before the article appeared.
He quoted the Quran: "Indeed, with hardship comes ease" (Quran 94:6).
Akhtar stated that his sole intention was to convey the peaceful values of his faith. He asked for forgiveness if his religious expressions had ever caused discomfort.
"I have never intentionally said or done anything concerning, worrying or harmful, and if I have ever for any reason made any of you feel uncomfortable through the expression of my religion, I'm sorry, please forgive me," he said.
The actor expressed gratitude to his family and close supporters who stood by him throughout the ordeal.
"To my family and my brothers who checked in on me, supported me and made dua for me through this difficult period JazakAllah khair, I love you for the sake of Allah," Akhtar said.
He noted that the truth had ultimately prevailed and cleared his name publicly, quoting the Quran: "The truth has come and falsehood has perished.
Indeed, falsehood is bound to perish" (Quran 17:81).
Akhtar publicly forgave the publisher and the journalist involved, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness in Islamic teachings.
"To The Sun, I have no malice in my heart towards you, or the journalist involved in writing the article," he said.
He thanked the outlet for admitting fault and resolving the dispute ethically.
"On that basis, I forgive you and I thank you for being complicit, admitting your faults and dealing with this in a moral and ethical manner," Akhtar said.
He cited Quranic guidance regarding pardon and mercy: "Pardon and overlook. Would you not love for Allah to forgive you?"
(Quran 24:22).
He concluded with a prophetic saying: "Whoever is not merciful to the people, will not be shown mercy by Allah."
Akhtar praised his legal representatives at Taylor Hampton Solicitors and Doughty Street Chambers for securing the settlement outcome.
"None of this would have been possible without them," he said.
Prior to the court settlement, The Sun published a formal retraction in May, acknowledging that Akhtar strongly condemns all forms of extremism and violence.
The outlet confirmed that all claims regarding radicalisation and firearms training in Pakistan were entirely without foundation.
The agreed settlement brings an end to the High Court proceedings, with News Group Newspapers paying full legal costs alongside the undisclosed damages.
