Judge rules British tabloid's article about Prince Harry was defamatory
Prince Harry has scored a win in his latest legal battle with a British tabloid.
A judge in London has ruled that parts of an article published in The Mail on Sunday about the Duke of Sussex were defamatory, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Harry sued Associated Newspapers, publisher of The Mail on Sunday, for libel over an article about his battle for police protection in the U.K. The article claimed Harry "tried to keep his legal fight with the government over police bodyguards a SECRET" and that his "PR machine tried to put a positive spin on the dispute." Harry's attorneys alleged the tabloid falsely suggested he lied and "improperly and cynically tried to manipulate and confuse public opinion," CNN reports.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Now, Judge Matthew Nicklin has agreed the article was defamatory, saying readers would believe Harry was "responsible for attempting to mislead and confuse the public," Reuters reports. This doesn't mean Harry has won the case but that he can proceed with it. "This is very much the first phase in a libel claim," the judge said, and the publisher will now file a defense.
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have engaged in numerous legal battles with British tabloids in recent years. Harry previously sued the publisher of the Mail on Sunday over an article claiming he "turned his back" on the Royal Marines, which led to a correction. Meghan Markle also won a claim against the publisher for publishing portions of a private letter she sent to her father.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Today's political cartoons - November 2, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - anti-fascism, early voter turnout, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published