Comedian Brand accepts libel damages from Sun on Sunday newspaper
Comedian Russell Brand has accepted substantial undisclosed libel damages over a newspaper claim that he had cheated on girlfriend Jemima Khan.
Brand was not at London’s High Court for the settlement of his action against News Group Newspapers over a November 2013 story in The Sun on Sunday.
His solicitor, John Kelly, told Mr Justice Tugendhat that the allegation that he had deceived the public as well as Ms Khan by falsely proclaiming that he was being faithful to her when in fact he was having sex with model Sophie Coady during a four-month fling was entirely without foundation and “distressing, hurtful and damaging”.
NGN had apologised and agreed to pay Brand his legal costs and damages, which he would put towards “what he considers to be diverse, just and decent causes”.
Mr Kelly said that Brand had spoken publicly of his love and commitment towards Ms Khan.
After the publication of the front page “exclusive”, headed 'Russell Cheated On His Jemima With Me', he immediately wrote to the newspaper through his solicitors, informing them that the claims were false, should be withdrawn and an apology should be published.
“The claimant’s distress was increased as a result of the defendant’s initial refusal to remove the article from the newspapers’ website, or to withdraw the allegations and publish an apology. After the newspaper refused to apologise Mr Brand issued proceedings for libel.," said Mr Kelly.
“The defendant now accepts that these claims are in fact totally untrue and defamatory and that these claims should never have been published.”
NGN had apologised to Brand and Ms Khan for the distress and embarrassment caused, said Mr Kelly.
