Elizabeth Hurley has testified in a high-profile privacy lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mail. Hurley, accompanied by other claimants, states that private investigators hired by the newspaper engaged in unlawful activities, including bugging her home phone and placing microphones on her windows. She described this as a severe invasion of privacy.
Key Allegations and Testimony
During her testimony, Hurley became emotional as she recounted her experiences. She highlighted that the invasion of her privacy extended beyond just phone tapping, calling it “a violation on a whole different mortifying and enraging scale.” Her lawsuit concerns 15 articles published between 2002 and 2011 that allegedly exploited her personal information, including five that involved her son, Damian, and his late father, film producer Steve Bing.
- Hurley accused ANL of utilizing illegal methods to gather information.
- She alleged the newspaper stole her medical details while she was pregnant.
- One article published shortly after Damian’s birth revealed sensitive information about her hospital stay.
Hurley expressed concerns about the potential impact of these articles on her son, stating, “I felt really mortified that my son would be able to read all this stuff one day.” She emphasized her helplessness regarding this ongoing violation of privacy.
Additional Claimants
Hurley is among seven claimants, including notable figures such as:
- Prince Harry
- Sadie Frost
- Sir Elton John and David Furnish
- Sir Simon Hughes
- Baroness Doreen Lawrence
The group accuses Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) of engaging in systematic unlawful information gathering since 1993. ANL has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the claims are unfounded and have been brought too late for legal action.
Legal Proceedings and Court Dynamics
During the proceedings, Hurley revealed her discovery of a private investigator’s statement alleging that her conversations were being monitored. This revelation devastated her, making her question the extent of the invasion. Despite being challenged on the reliability of her friends as sources for leaks, Hurley maintained that none would disclose information without her consent.
The trial, expected to last nine weeks, will be presided over by Mr. Justice Nicklin. As a civil case, it does not include a jury, leaving the final decision in the judge’s hands.
In this trial, both Hurley and Prince Harry have described their experiences with ANL’s reporting as deeply intrusive, with Prince Harry calling it “a horrible experience” for his family. He, too, seeks accountability and an apology from the publisher.
Conclusion
The ongoing legal battle highlights significant issues surrounding privacy rights and the media’s role in public life. As revelations continue to unfold, both Hurley and her fellow claimants hope to find justice for the invasions of their privacy.
