Prince Harry's Victory in Cell Phone Hacking Trial: A Step Towards Honest Journalism
In a recent court decision that left him feeling "vindicated," Prince Harry scored a partial victory in his lawsuit against MGN, a media company responsible for several British tabloids. The Duke of Sussex and other celebrities had accused the company of illegally obtaining information, specifically targeting phones, including Harry's.
Before the trial, MGN acknowledged evidence of illegal information procurement, but denied hacking voice messages. The company also argued that certain claims were filed too late. However, the court ruled in favor of Prince Harry and other plaintiffs, ordering MGN to compensate them.
Prince Harry, who compared the process to "getting burnt killing dragons," praised the ruling, calling it a "worthy price" for his commitment to a free and honest press. The Duke announced his intention to continue legal action against British publishers, including those responsible for the tabloids "Mirror," "Sunday Mirror," and "Sunday People."
A Long-Standing Battle
Prince Harry's lawsuit against MGN is part of a larger battle against unlawful information gathering by the British press. This battle began in 2019, when Harry's case proceeded to trial. Although he was barred from pursuing claims related to phone hacking, the case focused on other allegations, like the use of private investigators.
The case had a rocky start, with multiple adjournments, but it eventually settled on the eve of the trial. News Group Newspapers offered a full apology to Harry for the intrusion into his private life and agreed to pay substantial damages.
Accountability and Reform
Prince Harry's victory is a significant step towards holding the British press accountable for its actions, particularly in the realm of phone hacking and illegal information gathering. His lawyer praise the settlement as a "monumental victory," and Harry continues his efforts to reform the press by pursuing cases against other media outlets.
Many high-profile individuals, including actors Hugh Grant and Sienna Miller, have also settled similar claims against MGN. The settlement reinforces the importance of accountability and reflects Prince Harry's dedication to exposing press abuses.
Sources: stern.de, Wikipedia
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