Star is sent blackmail note alleging historic sex crimes on women

A CELEBRITY has been targeted in a blackmail scam that alleges “very serious criminal offences” against women.

The man – “well-known to the public as a result of his work in the entertainment business” – was sent an anonymous letter alleging historical crimes against a woman. Purportedly from a “highly discreet organisation”, the letter demanded £50,000 within four days, with a discount for early payment.

The “organisation” claimed the story was highly convincing and “would be similarly convincing to the authorities or the press”.

The celebrity was among half a dozen people targeted in the scam. A High Court judge granted an injunction to the celebrity, to prevent his name being released. The letter warned the celebrity, known only as LJY, that if he did not pay, the details of the case would be released via news agencies and online.

It went on: “In the current political and social environment we feel sure you will understand that this will have lasting damage to your career, your reputation and your personal life.

“This would in turn almost certainly hurt you more than the modest financial settlement we are seeking.”

Despite warning him not to contact the police, the celebrity asked his agent to do so. Mr Justice Warby said police believed it was a “scam” and said that six identical letters had gone to others not in the public eye.

LJY said there was no justification for the unknown sender or senders to make the threats and that he had “never been responsible for” any such alleged offence. He described himself as “angry and distressed that someone could do this to me”.

Jacob Dean, LJY’S barrister, who specialises in libel and privacy, said the letter was “obvious and blatant blackmail” and may be “only the tip of an iceberg”.

The judge ruled that the injunction was justified on the basis of harassment, misuse of private information and defamation.