What started as a legal dispute in court has now spiralled into a full-blown police investigation.
A London-based artist, Aljoscha Quooss, says his life has been thrown into chaos after being accused by Little Britain star Matt Lucas of harassment and blackmail.
The 35-year-old illustrator, originally from Germany, is now under investigation by the Metropolitan Police — but he firmly denies any wrongdoing.
Arrest Follows Failed High Court Bid by Matt Lucas
At the heart of the matter is a legal clash that happened just weeks before the arrest.
On June 8, Matt Lucas, 51, tried to obtain a gagging order against Quooss during an emergency High Court hearing.
Lucas, who was represented by a King’s Counsel, attempted to secure an interim injunction that would have restricted Quooss’s ability to speak out.
But the judge wasn’t persuaded. The court rejected the comedian’s application — a decision that came even though Quooss represented himself without legal backing.
“I Didn’t Do What He’s Accusing Me Of,” Says Quooss
Just three weeks after that courtroom showdown, Quooss was arrested.
On June 27, police detained him on suspicion of blackmail, harassment, and malicious communications following a report filed by Lucas the day before.
According to Quooss, he spent 20 hours in a cell, and police seized his phone and iPad as part of their investigation.
“This has completely turned my life upside down,” he said in a statement.
“I did not do what I have been accused of by Matt Lucas.
I have never harassed him or tried to blackmail him.”
A Freelance Dream Interrupted by Legal Limbo
Quooss, who works both as an illustrator and a barista, says the situation has left him financially and emotionally drained.
Without access to his devices, he claims he’s unable to continue his digital art, including a freelance career he had only just started building.
He had launched a new website earlier this year and invested in an online course to develop his skills.
“I’ve been locked out of my email, my bank accounts — everything,” he said.
“Because my iPad was taken, I can’t even continue working.
I feel completely cut off from my support network and left to fend for myself.”
Matt Lucas Has Stayed Silent Amid the Ongoing Investigation
So far, Matt Lucas has not made any public comments regarding the accusations or the arrest.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 35-year-old man was arrested in late June and is currently out on bail.
He is not permitted to contact Lucas or go near his residence while the investigation is ongoing.
Police also confirmed that further inquiries are being conducted and that the suspect is expected to return in mid-September as part of standard bail conditions.
A Separate Controversy Surrounding Lucas Adds to the Spotlight
This all comes on the heels of another recent controversy involving Lucas.
The comedian faced backlash for posting photos of Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown, 21, alongside one of his old Little Britain catchphrases.
The post compared her look to Vicky Pollard, a character from the series, and sparked online criticism.
Lucas later apologized, saying he was “mortified” and admitted the post was inappropriate.
What Happens Next?
For now, the investigation continues. Quooss remains under strict bail conditions and is waiting for the next steps while trying to rebuild his daily life.
Whether this case will lead to charges or be dropped is still unknown.
As things stand, both men have stepped back from public comment — but the legal drama is far from over.