The Sun newspaper has issued a formal public apology and paid damages to former Coronation Street actor Qasim Akhtar after publishing a false story alleging he had links to “Islamic extremism.”
Akhtar, 35, best known for his acting roles as Chesney Karib in the Channel 4 comedy-drama Shameless and Zeedan Nazir in Coronation Street, was targeted in November 2025 by The Sun.
The stories, published both online and in print, falsely claimed that Akhtar had “backed” and “teamed up with” an Islamic cleric, further claiming that he was associated with Islamic extremism, radicalisation and violence.
The story further claimed that he had moved to Pakistan and undertaken firearms training.
The stories had come after Akhtar had publicly and visibly become much closer to his faith, outwardly practising Islam.
Libel and defamation case
Following the controversy and false claims published by The Sun, Akhtar instructed the leading media and entertainment law firm Taylor Hampton in March 2026 to issue High Court proceedings against News Group Newspapers, the publishers of The Sun, for libel and defamation.
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The claim was settled following the court proceedings, and The Sun published an apology to Akhtar, agreed to pay him substantial damages as well as his legal costs, and agreed not to repeat the allegations.
In its published statement, The Sun said: “We now accept that these allegations were entirely false and should never have been published. Mr Akhtar has never endorsed or supported any such views and strongly condemns all forms of extremism and violence.
“He has never been involved in or associated with radicalisation, nor has he, as further falsely claimed, moved to Pakistan and undertaken firearms training.”
“We have agreed to pay Mr Akhtar a sum in damages and apologise unreservedly for the serious harm and distress caused to him by the publication of these false allegations.”
Response from Akhtar and lawyers
One of Akhtar’s lawyers addressed the allegations, saying: “This was an extremely serious and deeply damaging article which should never have been published.
“The allegations made against Mr Akhtar were entirely false and carried profoundly harmful implications, particularly given the nature of the claims and the wider social climate surrounding extremism.”
“Mr Akhtar is a respected actor and public figure who has never supported or endorsed any form of extremism or violence. The article also had the effect of unfairly targeting him because of his religion and identity.”
“The Sun and its parent company, News Group Newspapers, have now rightly acknowledged the falsity of these allegations, issued a full apology and agreed to pay damages.”
“We hope this apology serves as an important reminder of the serious consequences reckless reporting can have on people’s lives. Qasim is pleased that this matter has been resolved.”
Akhtar also responded to the case in a statement on Instagram: “The last 6 months of my life have been very tough, to say the least.
“Some of you may or may not be aware that in November of last year, upon returning from performing my Umrah (pilgrimage), an article was published about me containing false allegations that deeply affected me, my reputation, my family, my safety and my peace of mind.”
Akhtar went on to quote verses from the Qur’an, specifically Qur’an 94:6, which says: “Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
“I’d like to think that over the past few years, as I’ve grown closer to my deen and shared parts of my journey with my faith publicly, I have always tried to represent my beautiful religion of Islam with good character, humility and sincerity,” he continued.
“My true intention has only ever been to show the real beauty, peace and values of Islam, the things I myself spent a large portion of my life being blind and ignorant towards.”
“And He found you lost and guided you (Qur’an 93:7).”
“Alhamdulillah. Justice has been served publicly and I’m thankful that the truth has been acknowledged and my name has been cleared.”
Akhtar concluded his statement by thanking his lawyers as well as offering forgiveness to The Sun, claiming he holds no “malice in my heart” towards them: “Forgiveness is a staple in my religion. Islam teaches that forgiveness will take you so much further than harbouring hate and anger towards those who have wronged you, and that ultimately God is in control of everything.”
“On that basis, I forgive you and I thank you for admitting your faults and dealing with this in a moral and ethical manner.”
