John v Times Newspapers Ltd (Rev 1) [2012] EWHC 2751 (QB) (10 October 2012)

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, as no reasonable reader would infer such imputations from the context and content of the articles.

Citation
[2012] EWHC 2751 (QB)
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 Meaning Under CPR PD53 Para 4.1(1)
Outcome
Application granted; action dismissed.
Legal Topics
Libel, Defamatory Meaning, Interpretation of Publications, Reasonable Reader Test
Defamation Media Law Libel Defamatory Meaning Interpretation of Publications Reasonable Reader Test

Case Brief

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Parties

Sir Elton John

Claimant

Times Newspapers Ltd

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Action / Application for Ruling on Meaning Under CPR PD53 Para 4.1(1)

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the words complained of are capable of bearing the defamatory meanings attributed by the Claimant or any other defamatory meaning

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, as no reasonable reader would infer such imputations from the context and content of the articles.

Court Disposition

Application granted; action dismissed.

Orders

  • The words complained of are not capable of bearing a defamatory meaning attributed by the Claimant or any other defamatory meaning.
  • The action is dismissed.