The Sun pays compensation to Coronation Street actor it exposed with lie of Islamic extremism

The Sun, one of the established publications of the British press, has agreed to pay a 'substantial amount' of compensation after being forced to slander Qasim Akhtar, an actor from the famous series Coronation Street. In November 2025, the newspaper published an article in both print and digital platforms misleadingly associating Akhtar with Islamic extremism. The baseless claims alleged that the actor collaborated with a radical cleric and supported acts of violence. Furthermore, the newspaper made extremely serious and unfounded accusations, claiming that Akhtar had moved to Pakistan to receive weapons training. Faced with this sensational injustice, the actor decided to initiate a legal battle to protect his reputation and his family.

Qasim Akhtar is one of the well-known and respected figures in the British television world. He started his career by playing the character Chesney Karib in Channel 4's popular comedy-drama series Shameless between 2007 and 2013. Afterwards, he became widely recognized by bringing the character Zeedan Nazir to life in Coronation Street, one of the UK's longest-running and most-watched soap operas, from 2014 to 2023. However, the publication of baseless claims about him by the newspaper turned into a crisis that seriously threatened both his private life and his career. Akhtar stated that his reputation, family, and personal security were deeply harmed due to the publications in question. The fact that this publication was brought to the agenda right after the actor, a devout Muslim, returned from his Umrah visit, further deepened the trauma experienced.

Realizing the extent of the injustice, Akhtar filed a defamation lawsuit in March 2026 against the newspaper's publishing organization, News Group Newspapers, through the law firm Taylor Hampton. Following the rapid conclusion of the case, an agreement was reached between the parties in May 2026, and The Sun accepted that it could not stand behind the provocative news it had published. The newspaper stepped back without apologizing to Akhtar under any circumstances, issuing an official apology text instead, and stated the necessity of its decision. As part of the agreement, the publisher undertook the obligation to pay the actor financial compensation and all legal expenses. Additionally, The Sun clarified the legal process by giving an official commitment not to repeat these claims in the future.

In the apology text published by The Sun newspaper, it was explicitly admitted that the claims were completely unfounded and should never have been published. The newspaper acknowledged that Akhtar does not support any extremist or pro-violence views and strongly condemns all forms of violence. It also repeatedly emphasized that Akhtar has no connection to radicalization processes and that the claim of him moving to Pakistan to receive weapons training is completely fabricated. The publishing organization stated that it apologized 'unconditionally' for the serious damage and deep distress these baseless claims caused the actor. This situation has set an extremely important precedent in terms of press ethics, questioning the limits of media power and responsibility.

In an emotional statement made on his Instagram account, Akhtar explained that the last six months had been one of the most difficult periods of his life and that he carried a great psychological burden during this time. In his statements, the actor expressed his sorrow over his religious beliefs being turned into a tool of accusation by malicious individuals, emphasizing that he did not want anyone to be harmed. Daniel Taylor, the lawyer who followed the legal process, stated that the lawsuit filed against the newspaper was a completely justified struggle because the article targeted beliefs in an antisocial climate. In his writing, Akhtar stated that he held no grudge in his heart against the newspaper or the reporter who wrote the news, and that he chose to forgive as a requirement of his religion. This event; with the dignified stance displayed while protecting the dignity of a victim of defamation, both ensured that a fair outcome was achieved and gave a message of social peace.