ELTON JOHN LOSES DEFAMATION CASE
(Pic: Richard Mushet / Creative Commons)
Pop legend Elton John has lost a defamation case against a British newspaper that published a satirical article about his charity work.
John sued The Guardian for publishing the “A Peek At The Diary Of …” column by Marina Hyde which suggested that his humanitarian efforts were excuses for him to meet celebrities and promote himself.
The article, which the newspaper described as “a piece of mild satire,” includes a description of a charity event featuring former South African president Nelson Mandela:
“…a party specially organised to provide white celebrities with a chance to be photographed cuddling him, wearing that patronisingly awestruck smile they all have. It says: ‘I love you, you adorable, apartheid-fighting teddy bear.’”
London’s High Court refuted the singer’s claim that the article was defamatory and was written in a “gratuitously offensive, nasty and snide tone.”
The newspaper said in a statement following the judgement:”We’re sorry that Elton John lost his sense of humour over this article.”
It is not known if John will appeal the ruling.
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