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Royals & Stars Must Pay $13M After Losing Hacking Case
21 Aug
Summary
- Seven public figures ordered to pay $13 million in initial legal fees.
- The group failed to prove claims of hacking and bugging against a publisher.
- The unlawful information-gathering trial had estimated legal costs of $53.5 million.
A U.K. High Court judge dismissed hacking and bugging claims made by Prince Harry, Elton John, and five other public figures against Associated Newspapers Limited last month. The claimants have now been ordered to pay an initial $13 million in legal fees to the publisher.
The group, which also included David Furnish, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost, Doreen Lawrence, and Sir Simon Hughes, failed to substantiate their allegations of unlawful information gathering. These claims covered a period between 1993 and 2011.
The entire trial, centered on accusations of hacking, tapping, and bugging, spanned 11 weeks and reportedly incurred approximately $53.5 million in associated legal costs. The claimants have until October 2nd to seek an appeal, and they had insurance coverage up to $22 million.
Associated Newspapers Limited stated the outcome was a 'devastating critique' of the attempt to damage the reputation of its journalists. They had previously denied all allegations, asserting that their stories originated from lawful sources. This marks Prince Harry's third concluded lawsuit against U.K. tabloid publishers, having reached settlements in previous cases.
