Elizabeth Hurley Testifies in High-Profile Privacy Case Against Daily Mail Publisher
Actress and model Elizabeth Hurley expressed deep emotional distress during her testimony in a privacy trial against the publisher of the Daily Mail, Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL). As Hurley recounted the personal impact of alleged intrusions into her private life, she firmly rejected suggestions that “leaks” originated from her circle of friends.
Why It Matters
This case is significant not only for its implications on celebrity privacy but also for the broader issues surrounding media ethics and the accountability of press institutions. Hurley’s emotional testimony highlights ongoing concerns about the extent to which media outlets may violate personal privacy in pursuit of stories, reflecting a much-discussed tension between public interest and private life.
Key Developments
- Elizabeth Hurley testified for approximately three hours, where she detailed alleged unlawful information gathering by ANL.
- She claimed that her phone conversations were tapped and that microphones were placed in her home without consent.
- Hurley became emotional while discussing the impact of the articles on her family, particularly her son, Damian.
- ANL denied all allegations, asserting that claims of unlawful information gathering are “entirely baseless.”
- The trial is set to last around nine weeks, with further witnesses expected to provide testimony next week.
Full Report
During her appearance at the High Court, Elizabeth Hurley spoke candidly about the long-lasting effects of media scrutiny on her life. She described 15 articles published between 2002 and 2011 that she claims were based on unlawfully obtained information. Hurley accused the Daily Mail of employing tactics such as tapping her phones and placing hidden microphones at her residence, calling these actions a “brutal invasion of privacy.” Her testimony drew tears as she shared her distress over the adverse effects on her family, saying, “I felt really mortified that my son would be able to read all this stuff one day.”
When questioned by ANL’s attorney, Antony White KC, on why she hadn’t filed complaints at the time of the stories’ publication, Hurley clarified that she always believed libel lawsuits were the appropriate recourse, as she considered the stories largely accurate due to the alleged surveillance. She maintained, “Yes, there were leaks, but they were not from my friends,” emphasizing her belief that unauthorized eavesdropping was responsible for the publication of private information.
Hurley also addressed her financial support for Hacked Off, a press reform group championed by her ex-boyfriend Hugh Grant. She explained that while she had donated £350,000 as part of a prior settlement with another newspaper, she is not actively involved with Hacked Off.
In her concluding remarks, Hurley expressed reluctance about being in court and described the experience as “intimidating” and “traumatic.” She conveyed the emotional toll of recounting past events that have caused her significant distress.
Context & Previous Events
Alongside Hurley, notable figures including Prince Harry and Elton John are part of the same lawsuit against ANL, accusing the publisher of unlawful information gathering. ANL has categorically denied wrongdoing and asserts that the claims brought forth are untimely. The trial, which is expected to unfold over nine weeks, aims to address serious allegations of media misconduct as it continues to attract public attention.
