Adams v Associated Newspapers Ltd [2023] EWHC 1940 (KB) (27 July 2023)

Adams v Associated Newspapers Ltd [2023] EWHC 1940 (KB) (27 July 2023)

The natural and ordinary meaning of the words complained of is that the claimant sent her daughter, Nicola Adams, drunken, insulting and hurtful text messages and, by sending these abusive messages, has perpetuated, in a different form, the abuse Nicola Adams suffered at the hands of her father, ruining their...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2023] EWHC 1940 (KB)
Parties
Claimant: Denver Dorsetra Adams; Defendant: Associated Newspapers Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
27 July 2023
Procedural Posture
Libel Action / Preliminary Issues Trial on Meaning
Outcome
Determination of preliminary issue on meaning; claimant's meaning rejected in part; court finds defamatory meaning as set out in judgment.
Legal Topics
Libel, Defamatory Meaning, Fact Vs Opinion, Media Publications
Defamation Media Law Libel Defamatory Meaning Fact Vs Opinion Media Publications

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 2 Authorities cited 7 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Denver Dorsetra Adams

Claimant

Associated Newspapers Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Action / Preliminary Issues Trial on Meaning

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the natural and ordinary meaning of the words complained of in the articles?
  2. 2 Are the words defamatory of the claimant at common law?
  3. 3 Are the words statements of fact or expressions of opinion?

Ratio Decidendi

The natural and ordinary meaning of the words complained of is that the claimant sent her daughter, Nicola Adams, drunken, insulting and hurtful text messages and, by sending these abusive messages, has perpetuated, in a different form, the abuse Nicola Adams suffered at the hands of her father, ruining their relationship. The allegation of sending abusive, drunken texts is a statement of fact; the perpetuation of abuse is an expression of opinion. The meaning is defamatory of the claimant at common law.

Court Disposition

Determination of preliminary issue on meaning; claimant's meaning rejected in part; court finds defamatory meaning as set out in judgment.