Laurence Fox arrived at Woolwich Crown Court today facing charges related to images shared online of TV personality Narinder Kaur. The case centers around allegations of upskirting, specifically the sharing of intimate images without consent, a practice now explicitly criminalized under recent amendments to the Sexual Offences Act.
The prosecution alleges Fox shared a photograph of Kaur “in an intimate state,” intending to cause alarm, distress, or humiliation. A second charge concerns the alleged sending of a photograph of genitals with the same intent. Fox previously entered a not guilty plea and is currently seeking to have the first charge dismissed.
The controversy stems from an incident in April 2024, where Fox reportedly re-posted an image of Kaur to his social media account following an online disagreement over political views. The image itself was originally taken in 2009, capturing Kaur exiting a taxi without her knowledge or consent.
If convicted, Fox, 47, could face a prison sentence of up to two years and potential placement on the Sex Offenders Register. The charges fall under Section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which addresses “cyberflashing” and the non-consensual sharing of sexual images.
Narinder Kaur, who waived her right to anonymity, attended the hearing alongside her husband. She previously described the impact of the image being shared as a daily assault, stating she lives in constant fear and horror due to the actions of Fox and his supporters. She expressed a desire for the situation to simply disappear.
Fox issued a public apology on social media after sharing the image, but notably framed it as not his fault, attributing blame to the original photograph being taken. This response has drawn further criticism and fueled the legal proceedings.
The court will also address an abuse-of-process application submitted by Fox, adding another layer of complexity to the case. The hearing promises to be a pivotal moment, with significant implications for all parties involved.
Violence against women remains a pervasive issue, prompting widespread calls for change and increased awareness. Numerous organizations are actively working to combat this epidemic and support survivors.
Women’s Aid, the UK’s national charity against domestic abuse, emphasizes the critical role of the media in raising awareness and empowering the public to challenge gender-based violence. They believe campaigns like this are invaluable in shifting narratives and validating the experiences of survivors.
Refuge, the largest domestic abuse organization in the UK, highlights the underreporting of violence against women and girls, stressing the need for open conversations and a challenge to harmful societal attitudes. They advocate for a shift in how the media reports on these crimes.
White Ribbon, dedicated to engaging men and boys in preventing violence against women, underscores the importance of male allyship and understanding the responsibility everyone has in creating a safe world for women and girls.
End Violence Against Women (EVAW), a coalition of feminist organizations, stresses the need for media reporting to reflect the scale of gender-based violence, identify root causes, and treat survivors with dignity. They believe informed public discourse is crucial for driving change.
Killed Women, a network for bereaved families, emphasizes the devastating consequences of male violence and the need for societal change, urging men to become active participants in creating safer communities.
The Circle, a global feminist organization, is working tirelessly to address violence against women and girls, supporting campaigns that shine a spotlight on the issue and promote collective action.
Woman's Trust, a mental health charity, provides crucial counseling and therapy for women who have experienced domestic abuse, recognizing the long-lasting psychological trauma it causes.
Rape Crisis England & Wales advocates for a whole-societal response to sexual violence, challenging harmful attitudes and practices and demanding accountability for perpetrators. They emphasize the normalization of sexual violence and the need to end rape culture.
Southall Black Sisters (SBS) highlights the disproportionate impact of violence on Black, minoritized, and migrant women, emphasizing the need for intersectional approaches and accountability for systemic discrimination.
AAFDA, providing advocacy for those bereaved by domestic abuse, stresses the importance of community awareness and informed responses to prevent further tragedies. They advocate for everyone to play a role in keeping women and girls safe.
