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Film Producer Pays Substantial Damages for Defamatory Portrayal
27 Oct
Summary
- Lawsuit settlement over defamatory portrayal in film about Richard III's discovery
- Filmmaker agrees to add disclaimer acknowledging fictional nature of character
- Case seen as a "David and Goliath moment" for individual against large corporation
On October 27, 2025, it was reported that the producers of the 2022 film "The Lost King" have settled a defamation lawsuit with a man who was portrayed in the movie. Richard Taylor, a former employee at the University of Leicester, sued the filmmakers for his negative depiction in the film, which tells the story of the discovery of Richard III's remains.
The UK High Court had previously ruled that the portrayal of Taylor was defamatory, allowing the case to proceed to a full trial. However, the defendants, including actor Steve Coogan and production companies Baby Cow and Pathé, have now agreed to pay Taylor "substantial damages" and make changes to the film.
As part of the settlement, a card will be added to the film in England and Wales, stating that the character based on Taylor is fictional and does not represent his actions during the real-life events. The film is described as the "true story" of Philippa Langley's search for the king's skeleton.
The case has been hailed as a "defamation David and Goliath moment," with Taylor's lawyers criticizing the film and TV industry for rushing to create productions based on real-life stories without proper care and authenticity. The settlement could set a precedent for similar cases, where individuals feel misrepresented in dramatized accounts of historical events.
