A man has been arrested after threatening to spread ‘disgusting’ false accusations about a widely-loved comedian in a blackmail plot.
The TV star, who cannot be named, reported the incident to police on June 26, which led to the arrest of a suspect who is believed to be a 35-year-old German national.
The suspect had attempted to extort money from the onscreen entertainer through the threat of spreading ‘vile and defamatory claims’ about him, per The Sun.
This blackmail campaign reportedly took place over several months as the suspect inundated the victim with text messages and phone calls with plans to conduct a smear campaign.
The police arrested the suspect in London and seized their electronic devices. He has been put on bail until September pending inquiries.
Meanwhile, the victim has received support from the police to provide a full statement.
A source from The Sun explained: ‘He is said to have received messages and calls from a blackmailer who was threatening to publicly smear him with false accusations.
‘These accusations were disgusting in nature and totally false – and they have caused the victim considerable distress,’ they said about the blackmail attempt, adding the ‘bolt from the blue’ left the victim ‘shocked’.
The arrest was confirmed by Scotland Yard.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: ‘On Friday, June 27, a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of harassment, blackmail and malicious communications.
‘He was taken into custody and later bailed to return pending further inquiries. He is next due back on a date in mid-September.
‘The arrest follows allegations reported to police on June 26. The investigation is ongoing.’
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