Denver Dorsetra Adams v Associated Newspapers Limited

Denver Dorsetra Adams v Associated Newspapers Limited

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. This meaning is defamatory of the claimant at common law. The allegation of sending abusive, drunken texts is fact; the perpetuation of abuse is opinion, with the basis indicated in the articles.

Parties
Claimant: Denver Dorsetra Adams; Defendant: Associated Newspapers Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 September 2024
Procedural Posture
Libel / Preliminary Issue Trial on Meaning
Outcome
meaning determined for trial of preliminary issues; defamatory at common law
Legal Topics
Defamatory Meaning, Fact Vs Opinion, Statements in Media, Common Law Defamation
Defamation Media Law Defamatory Meaning Fact Vs Opinion Statements in Media Common Law Defamation

Case Brief

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Parties

Denver Dorsetra Adams

Claimant

Associated Newspapers Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel / Preliminary Issue Trial on Meaning

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the natural and ordinary meaning of the words complained of in the three 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. This meaning is defamatory of the claimant at common law. The allegation of sending abusive, drunken texts is fact; the perpetuation of abuse is opinion, with the basis indicated in the articles.

Court Disposition

meaning determined for trial of preliminary issues; defamatory at common law