'Harm is already done' - Leeds Green councillor breaks silence after defamation lawsuit win

Green Party Deputy Leader Mothin Ali sued GB News presenter Alex Armstrong and a social media commentator

Leeds Green councillor and Deputy Leader Mothin Ali has won damages after claims made on social media about his involvement in the 2024 Harehills riot.

On June 18, 2024, rioting broke out in Harehills, with Mothin Ali, a Leeds City Council member for Gipton and Harehills, attended to help calm tensions. Mothin Ali had been asked by the police to attend to help bring an end to the disorder.

He has now won damages and an apology from GB News presenter Alex Armstrong and social media commentator Bernadette Spofforth for defamation over their posts on social media site X, after accusations of his involvement in the rioting.

Speaking outside of the High Court, Councillor Ali said their comments had spread rapidly, causing his family to be harassed. His car was also damaged.

He said: "The harm is already done, the smears leave their stench, even when proven to be false. Black and brown public figures, not only do they not always get the recognition that they deserve, that they've earned. But they get a level of scrutiny and smears greater than their counterparts."

Alex Armstrong posted an acknowledgement on X, writing he has accepted his statements were incorrect. Bernadette Spofforth offered her "sincere apologies" for the post and harm caused as a result.

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