Former Coronation Street and Shameless actor Qasim Akhtar secured “substantial” libel damages from News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun, following a high-profile defamation case at the High Court.
The controversy arose from an article published in print and online in November 2025, shortly after Akhtar returned from performing the Umrah pilgrimage. The piece falsely alleged that the Manchester-born actor had backed a controversial Islamic cleric, linked him to Islamic extremism, radicalisation, and violence, and falsely claimed he had moved to Pakistan to undergo firearms training.
Akhtar launched legal proceedings against NGN, highlighting the profound harm caused to his personal safety, professional reputation, and family.
The case concluded in July 2026 when NGN agreed to pay substantial damages and cover legal fees. The publisher issued an unreserved apology, acknowledging the claims were completely false and should never have been published. In a public statement, Akhtar expressed relief that his name had been cleared, noting that forgiveness is a central pillar of his faith and offering no malice towards the journalists involved.
(Image: qas_akhtar/Instagram)
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