John v Times Newspapers Ltd (Rev 1) [2012] EWHC 2751 (QB) (10 October 2012)
The words complained of are not capable of bearing the meanings attributed to them by the Claimant or any other meaning defamatory of him; a hypothetical reasonable reader would not infer involvement in tax avoidance based solely on the alleged association with Mr McKenna.
- Citation
- [2012] EWHC 2751
- Parties
- Claimant: Sir Elton John; Defendant: Times Newspapers Ltd
- Jurisdiction
- England and Wales
- Judgment Date
- 10 October 2012
- Procedural Posture
- Libel Action / Application for Ruling on Defamatory Meaning (cpr PD53 Para 4.1(1))
- Outcome
- Application granted; action dismissed.
- Legal Topics
- Libel, Defamatory Meaning, Interpretation of Published Words, Chase Levels
Case Brief
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Sir Elton John
Claimant
Times Newspapers Ltd
Defendant
Procedural Posture
Libel Action / Application for Ruling on Defamatory Meaning (cpr PD53 Para 4.1(1))
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the words complained of are capable of bearing a defamatory meaning attributed to the Claimant
- 2 Whether the words are capable of bearing any defamatory meaning against the Claimant
Ratio Decidendi
The words complained of are not capable of bearing the meanings attributed to them by the Claimant or any other meaning defamatory of him; a hypothetical reasonable reader would not infer involvement in tax avoidance based solely on the alleged association with Mr McKenna.
Court Disposition
Application granted; action dismissed.
Orders
- The libel action is dismissed as the words complained of are not capable of bearing a defamatory meaning against the Claimant.
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