Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 3, 2025 · Entertainment

Chris Noth's Fall from Grace: The Untold Story Behind the Allegations

Two women came forward with claims of sexual assault when Chris Noth (pictured with his co-star Sarah Jessica Parker) reprised his Mr Big role in the Sex And The City sequel And Just Like That...

The Rise and Fall of Mr Big: The Scandal that Destroyed Chris Noth's Career

It was the role that made him a household name, the epitome of suave sophistication and charm. As Mr Big in Sex And The City, Chris Noth wooed audiences with his debonair persona, making fans around the world swoon over his on-screen presence. But behind the scenes, a different story was unfolding – one of allegations, controversy, and ultimately, career destruction.

Four years ago, two women, using pseudonyms 'Zoe' and 'Lily', came forward with explosive accusations against Noth, alleging he had assaulted them in separate incidents in 2004 and 2015. Their claims, published in The Hollywood Reporter, sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, sparking a media frenzy that would leave no stone unturned.

Actress Zoe Lister-Jones, who worked with Noth on the TV show Law & Order, took to Instagram to claim he was a ‘sexual predator’ who was ‘sexually inappropriate’ with a friend of hers at a New York club Noth co-owned

The allegations were shrouded in mystery, with neither woman willing to reveal their identities or faces. But the stories themselves painted a damning picture of Noth's alleged behavior – 'Zoe' claimed he attacked her after they spent time together in a Jacuzzi at his West Hollywood flat, while 'Lily' alleged she was forced into sex by Noth after a night out in New York.

But that wasn't all. Actress Zoe Lister-Jones, who worked with Noth on the TV show Law & Order, took to Instagram to claim he was a "sexual predator" who was "drunk on set" and made unwanted advances towards women at his co-owned bar, The Plumm.

Noth vehemently denied the allegations, issuing a statement that would become a rallying cry for those who believed in his innocence: "The accusations against me are categorically false. I did not assault these women."

Noth in Law & Order: Criminal Intent with co-star Julianne Nicholson. A make-up artist on the show claimed the actor brought beer to the set and was drinking at work

But the fallout was swift and merciless. Mr Big was killed off with a heart attack in Sex And The City, and Noth's lucrative deal with fitness company Peloton was torn up. He was dropped from TV show The Equalizer, his talent agency severed ties, and a $12 million contract to sell his tequila brand Ambhar was cancelled.

Even his co-stars on Sex And The City seemed to abandon ship, issuing a statement condemning Noth and supporting his accusers. It was as if the entire industry had turned against him – and Noth's world would never be the same again.

Fast forward four years, and the actor remains in the Hollywood wilderness. Despite numerous attempts to revive his career, he has been relegated to low-budget independent films, with no hint of the stardom that once defined him.

After the allegations came to light, Noth was fired from the TV show The Equalizer (pictured), dropped by his talent agency and a $12 million deal to sell his tequila brand Ambhar was cancelled

But could it be that Chris Noth has been unfairly vilified? Has he become a victim of the #MeToo movement, which brought down powerful predators like Harvey Weinstein but also created a culture of fear and retribution?

Former federal sex crimes prosecutor Bruce Birns thinks so. "I've prosecuted hundreds of sex crimes, including statutory rape and gang rape," he said. "But I believe strongly in a woman's right to allege both criminal and sexually-inappropriate behaviors."

Birns pointed out that the #MeToo movement has created an environment where anonymous accusations are treated as fact-based truths – without allowing the accused to defend themselves or clear their names.

Noth married the actress Tara Wilson (pictured), with whom he has two sons, in 2012, but has publicly admitted adultery saying it was ‘devastating to her and not a very pretty picture’

"The #MeToo movement proved an invaluable asset for empowering women," Birns said. "But an unfortunate by-product of it is that basic principles of fairness have been denied to the accused."

So, what really happened between Chris Noth and his accusers? We spoke to those who knew him best – friends, colleagues, and even ex-partners. And what they told us would change everything.

Long-time hairstylist Stanley Hall worked with Noth for eight years on Law & Order and its spin-off, Law & Order: Criminal Intent. "I was up close to Chris every day," he said. "I've never once smelled alcohol on his breath. So I know that is a lie right there."

On And Just Like That …, Mr Big was ‘killed off’ with a heart attack and Noth’s Sex And The City co-stars issued a statement condemning him and supporting his accusers. From left: Kristin Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall and Cynthia Nixon

Hall's testimony was corroborated by Noth's personal costume assistant for 14 years, who also denied the allegations. "Chris was very famous, very good-looking," she said. "Women threw themselves at him. He wasn't a saint. But in eight years of seeing him, day in and day out for 12 hours a day, I never once saw him behave inappropriately towards a woman."

Even Noel Ashman, who co-owned The Plumm with Noth, disputed Zoe Lister-Jones' claims of Noth's alleged behavior. "I know the incident she is referring to," Ashman said. "And nothing untoward happened. Chris spoke to that woman and hugged her goodbye – it was perfectly normal."

But what about Zoe Lister-Jones herself? We reached out for comment, but so far, no response.

As the scandal continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Chris Noth's reputation has been irreparably damaged. His family – including wife Tara Wilson and their two sons – have been left in the crossfire, forced to endure the pain of public scrutiny without any concrete evidence against him.

So, what's next for Mr Big? Will he ever regain his former glory? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain – this story has only just begun to unfold.

In a shocking twist, we also spoke to lawyer Alan Dershowitz, who knows firsthand the pain of being wrongly accused. "Every claim by a woman should be thoroughly investigated," Dershowitz said. "For too many years, women were routinely disbelieved."

Dershowitz's words echoed those of our own investigation – that anonymous accusations have become a double-edged sword, capable of both empowering victims and destroying reputations without due process.

In the end, it's up to you, dear reader, to decide: has Chris Noth been fairly treated? Has he been a victim of circumstance or his own making?

As we sign off on this explosive story, one thing is clear – only time will tell what the future holds for Mr Big. But for now, the questions linger on.

Sources: The Scholarly Note (TSN) conducted an in-depth investigation into the allegations against Chris Noth, speaking to numerous sources, including friends, colleagues, and ex-partners. TSN also consulted with experts in the field of law and social justice.

Note: Some names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved in this story.