New era sees claims from celebrities triple
The number of libel cases bought by celebrities and sports stars nearly trebled in the past year, and there were more defamation cases overall.
There were 57 reported defamation cases in 2007-08, 78 the folloing year, and 83 over the past year (2009-10). Last year, some 30 cases were brought by celebrities, including Peter Andre, Lily Allen and David Beckham, compared with 11 cases the year before.
According to publishers Sweet & Maxwell, which commissioned the research, the rise may partly be down to closer working relationships between agents and law firms. Also, increased use of digital media monitoring services of print and online media by the managers of celebrities give a more reliable record of when the media might have published damaging material.
Some sections of the media have attributed the rise in claims to the use of “no win, no fee” agreements.
Media lawyer, Korieh Duodu of Addleshaw Goddard LLP, said the number of defamation cases could have been higher if celebrities had not also started to use privacy injunctions to protect their private lives.
Only three cases last
