Dyson v MGN Ltd [2022] EWHC 2469 (QB) (26 July 2022)

Dyson v MGN Ltd [2022] EWHC 2469 (QB) (26 July 2022)

The article's natural and ordinary meaning is that the Claimant publicly supported Brexit for British industry but moved his global head office to Singapore, and by so doing was a hypocrite who had 'screwed his country' and set a poor moral example to young people. The factual allegation is not defamatory; the opinion is defamatory due to the element of hypocrisy and poor moral example. The article indicated the basis of the opinion.

Citation
[2022] EWHC 2469
Parties
Claimant: Sir James Dyson; Defendant: MGN Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
26 July 2022
Procedural Posture
Libel Claim / Determination of Preliminary Issues on Meaning, Defamatory Nature, Fact/opinion, and Indication of Opinion Basis
Outcome
Preliminary issues determined: meaning, defamatory nature, fact/opinion, and indication of opinion basis.
Legal Topics
Libel, Defamatory Meaning, Fact Vs Opinion, Basis of Opinion, Threshold of Seriousness
Defamation Media Law Libel Defamatory Meaning Fact Vs Opinion Basis of Opinion Threshold of Seriousness

Case Brief

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 4 Authorities cited 8 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 1
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Sir James Dyson

Claimant

MGN Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Claim / Determination of Preliminary Issues on Meaning, Defamatory Nature, Fact/opinion, and Indication of Opinion Basis

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the natural and ordinary meaning of the article?
  2. 2 Is the meaning defamatory at common law?
  3. 3 Is the article a statement of fact or opinion?

Ratio Decidendi

The article's natural and ordinary meaning is that the Claimant publicly supported Brexit for British industry but moved his global head office to Singapore, and by so doing was a hypocrite who had 'screwed his country' and set a poor moral example to young people. The factual allegation is not defamatory; the opinion is defamatory due to the element of hypocrisy and poor moral example. The article indicated the basis of the opinion.

Court Disposition

Preliminary issues determined: meaning, defamatory nature, fact/opinion, and indication of opinion basis.

Orders

  • Claimant to amend Particulars of Claim to align with Court's determination of meaning.
  • Directions to be given for time to amend and for Defence to be served and filed.