Laurence Fox, a British actor and political commentator, has been charged with a sexual offence related to the alleged sharing of an upskirting photograph of broadcaster Narinder Kaur on social media. The charge, brought under Section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, is linked to an incident that occurred in April 2024, during an online dispute between Fox and Kaur.
The photo in question reportedly shows Kaur exiting a taxi in 2009, without her knowledge or consent. Fox, now 46, is accused of posting the image to his nearly 400,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by the offensive caption, “It’s not my fault she forgot to put her pants on.” This act led to a significant public outcry, prompting Kaur to describe the incident as “unimaginably mortifying.”
In the aftermath of the photo's circulation, Kaur made it public that the matter had escalated to a police investigation, stating, “This is now a police matter,” thereby notifying her followers of the serious ramifications of the situation.
The charge against Fox follows an 11-month police investigation and if convicted, he faces up to two years in prison along with the possibility of being listed on the Sex Offenders Register. The Metropolitan Police stated, “A man has been charged with a sexual offence following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.” Fox is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on April 24, 2025.
UK law regarding upskirting was solidified in 2019, when such acts were classified as criminal offences. The law specifically prohibits the act of taking sexual images of someone without their consent, with the intent to cause alarm, distress, or humiliation. In the case of Fox, the sharing of the image falls under provisions that address 'cyber flashing,' introduced as part of the Online Safety Act 2023.
Gina Martin, who fought to criminalise upskirting following her own experience at a festival in 2017, successfully garnered cross-party support for the legislation, leading to the passing of the 'Upskirting Bill' on February 12, 2019. In light of this law, offenders can face serious penalties, including imprisonment.
Fox's recent legal troubles come amidst a backdrop of prior controversies. He has previously been embroiled in a libel case where he was ordered to pay £180,000 to two individuals he wrongfully labeled as paedophiles on social media. Additionally, earlier this year, Fox faced criticism and scrutiny for comments made regarding other journalists, including Ava Evans, which many deemed misogynistic and offensive. This led to Ofcom receiving thousands of complaints about his remarks during broadcasts.
Kaur, age 52, is a prominent figure, often seen discussing current events on platforms like Good Morning Britain. After the alleged sharing of the photograph, Kaur expressed her dismay and embarrassment publicly, emphasizing the psychological toll of being the subject of such unwanted attention. “I’m so incredibly upset that people are looking at my privates and laughing,” she said.
Following the incident, Fox addressed the criticism with a mixed apology, stating, “I would like to apologise to Ms. Kaur… but then added with a deflective remark that “it’s not my fault” for the situation in which Kaur was captured in the compromising image. This defense has not resonated well with the public, furthering the division over his public persona and online provocations.
Fox has attempted to position himself as a vocal critic of what he terms ‘wokeness’ and political correctness, garnering a specific demographic of followers through his controversial statements. However, this latest charge could significantly impact his reputation and potential career moves, given the legal ramifications and public backlash.
As the legal proceedings approach, the case serves as a crucial point of discussion regarding consent, personal privacy, and the responsibilities that come with sharing content online. The repercussions of Fox's actions extend beyond simple outrage; they highlight a critical societal conversation on digital ethics and the need for robust protections against non-consensual image sharing.
Kaur's experience, particularly in the wake of this public incident, sheds light on the broader implications for victims in the age of social media. The public's response, coupled with the legal context provided by the UK government, marks a significant event in the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and safety against harassment and exploitation online.
As Fox prepares to defend himself in court, both the legal system and the public will be watching closely, as this case not only pertains to Fox but raises important questions about the standards that govern online behaviour and the protections available for those who wish to maintain their privacy and dignity.
