Amir Khan wife

LONDON: The London High Court has strongly criticised British-Pakistani boxer Amir Khan and his wife Faryal Makhdoom for making what it called a “misconceived and opportunistic” attempt to strike out the defence filed by female rights advocate Faryaal Hussain. The couple is seeking £100,000 in a defamation claim over her statements on the Blue Tick Podcast and in an online petition.

Court Rebukes the Couple

The court dismissed their second strike-out application. Master Davison noted that the move “delayed the progress of the case by some 6 months” and “ran up unnecessary costs.” He added that the Khans could have addressed any issues in Hussain’s pleadings through correspondence or a Part 18 Request. Furthermore, he stressed that this approach was especially appropriate because Hussain is acting as a litigant in person.

Moreover, Master Davison said he suspected the couple filed the application to avoid deeper scrutiny. He made it clear that such motivation “is not a sound basis” for the order they wanted.

Key Defences Will Proceed to Trial

The judge struck out Hussain’s honest-opinion defence. However, he ruled that her remaining defences—truth and public interest—are “reasonably arguable.” Therefore, these issues will now proceed to a full trial.

He also noted that Hussain had already submitted extensive material in her defence and amended defence. As a result, he said striking out her entire case would be disproportionate.

Witness Protections Ordered

Because the claim involves allegations of sexual misconduct, the judge ordered that female witnesses must remain unidentified in public documents. Their names cannot be published under any circumstances.

Case Likely to Draw Intense Media Attention

The ruling now pushes the case into public proceedings. Consequently, the trial is expected to attract considerable media attention. The allegations at the heart of the claim—intimidation, blackmail, and sexual misconduct—will require full judicial scrutiny. Therefore, the proceedings may reveal sensitive details about the couple’s private lives, marital relationship, and interactions with multiple women.

Legal Representation and Case Background

The broadcasts under dispute were released in July 2023 and September 2023.

Amir Khan and Faryal Makhdoom are represented by Ahmed Jawad of Central Chambers Law. Hussain continues to represent herself. Neither Khan nor Hussain responded to media queries, and Jawad declined to comment.

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