Curtains Closed: Court Upholds Injunction Against Ex-Councillor for Targeting Belfast Drag Performer

In a landmark legal ruling, the Court of Appeal has reinforced a previous injunction against former Belfast councillor Jolene Bunting, highlighting the boundaries of free speech in relation to personal harassment. This significant development arises from her actions targeting actor and drag performer Matthew Cavan, raising critical questions about freedom of expression and its limits.

Jolene Bunting, previously an independent unionist councillor, gained notoriety following a protest in July 2022 at Belfast’s MAC theatre. The protest was aimed at a children’s storytime event featuring Matthew Cavan, known professionally as Cherrie Ontop, a celebrated figure in the local drag community. Organised by a group called "Parents Against Grooming," the protestors displayed banners bearing slogans like "hands off our children," attempting to undermine the event's credibility.

The Events Leading to the Injunction

The situation escalated when Bunting engaged in a social media campaign that crossed into targeted harassment. A YouTube video juxtaposed an image of Cavan with a wolf in make-up, echoing themes from Little Red Riding Hood and implying predatory behaviour. Viewed over 22,000 times, this baseless accusation painted Cavan as a child groomer, triggering severe personal and professional fallout. Cavan subsequently faced threats from vigilante groups, experienced a decline in bookings for lucrative performances, and struggled with anxiety requiring medical intervention and heightened home security.

Court’s Ruling on Harassment

Bunting defended her actions as safeguarding against child exploitation, referencing concerns raised in other countries about similar events. However, her claims were rejected by the court, which found her conduct to be intentional harassment intended to incite hatred by falsely accusing Cavan of child sexualisation and grooming. The County Court's initial ruling was upheld by the Court of Appeal, led by Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan, who balanced Bunting's freedom of expression against the serious nature of her allegations.

Legal experts emphasize that while protesting against drag queen storytime events is within legal rights, associating individuals with paedophilia without evidence oversteps ethical and legal boundaries. The court’s decision to maintain a five-year restraining order against Bunting underscores the importance of safeguarding individuals from unfounded and damaging public commentary.

Impacts on Matthew Cavan

This case spotlights the delicate balance between free speech and responsibility, particularly in the digital era where misinformation can quickly proliferate and cause significant harm. For Cavan, the defamatory campaign not only tarnished his reputation but resulted in tangible losses, including cancelled performances that impacted his career and mental health.

The judgement serves as a crucial reminder of the consequences of crossing ethical lines in public discourse and reinforces the judiciary's role in protecting against such injustices.

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