Eni Aluko has successfully triumphed in her libel case against Joey Barton concerning his posts on X. The case revolved around a series of derogatory posts that Barton shared between January and August 2024, targeting Aluko’s character.
Details of the Libel Case
According to Aluko’s barrister, the defamatory campaign included 48 posts directed at her. These posts were described as a “deliberately targeted public campaign of vilification.” One particularly egregious post featured an image of Aluko’s head superimposed on the body of notorious serial killer Rosemary West.
Impact on Aluko
De Wilde, representing Aluko, highlighted the severe emotional distress caused by Barton’s actions. He noted, “The campaign amounted to an attack on multiple aspects of her life and personality.” Aluko faced additional pressures when she attempted to defend herself against Barton’s aggression.
She was concerned that any effort to stop the harassment would be manipulated by Barton to further undermine her.
Barton’s Admission and Financial Consequences
In a significant turn, Joey Barton acknowledged that his campaign against Aluko constituted harassment. He accepted that he should not have published the material in question. As a result, the court issued a financial penalty against him.
- Barton has been ordered to pay £339,000.
- The initial payment of £100,000 plus interest is due by March 24.
- Justice Nicholas Lavender granted Barton seven days to request modifications to the court order.
Aluko’s Reaction
Following the court proceedings, Aluko expressed relief, stating, “I’m glad it’s the end.” This case marks a significant victory not only for her but also for discussions on online harassment and accountability.
