An academic has secured substantial damages following a court ruling regarding his portrayal in the film “The Lost King.” The movie, written and starred by Steve Coogan, narrates the search for the remains of Richard III, which took place in Leicester in 2012. Professor Richard Taylor claimed the film depicted him in a defamatory manner, leading to a successful lawsuit.
Defamation Lawsuit Outcome
On Monday, the court announced the ruling in favor of Professor Taylor, who had filed a claim against Coogan, his production company Baby Cow, and Pathe Productions. He expressed satisfaction with the court’s recognition of the film’s defamatory nature. Taylor noted that the portrayal distorted the actual events surrounding the discovery of Richard III’s remains beneath a Leicester council car park.
Professor Taylor’s Claims
- Professor Taylor accused “The Lost King” of depicting him as “misogynistic” and “weasel-like.”
- The court found that the film suggested he had knowingly misrepresented facts, casting him as “smug” and “patronising.”
Outside the Royal Courts of Justice, Taylor remarked that the ruling established the movie as a misleading representation of his role in the search. He further discussed the collaborative efforts involved in the actual excavation, stating that these were overshadowed by the film’s inaccuracies.
Implications of the Ruling
Following the ruling, it was made clear that the film’s content will be modified to remove defamatory comments. Lawyers representing Taylor called this victory a “defamation David and Goliath moment.” They emphasized that individuals often feel powerless against larger entities, but successful litigation is indeed possible.
Industry Responses
Daniel Jennings, a partner at Shakespeare Martineau, expressed that this verdict serves as a significant warning for media productions. He highlighted the trend where films and documentaries are marketed as “true accounts” to attract audiences, stressing the legal consequences of misrepresentation.
A joint statement from the involved production companies acknowledged their responsibility in portraying real-life stories accurately. They expressed pride in “The Lost King” but recognized the importance of this legal matter’s resolution.
Conclusion
As legal frameworks evolve, this case underlines the need for media accountability in depicting true events. The success of Professor Taylor’s lawsuit may encourage others facing similar challenges to seek justice against misrepresentation.
