Nottingham Forest owner sues Crystal Palace over ‘gun banner’
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Defamed by the press
If you have suffered serious damage to your reputation as a result of being defamed in the national or local press we can help you seek vindication.
Over the years we have helped thousands of public figures, HNWIs, businesses and professionals protect their hard-earned reputations. Our highly-regarded media and communications law department is unique because all our solicitors work exclusively in this field. This means that our clients receive the best possible advice and representation.
In many instances, defamatory articles in the press are a result of sloppy journalism: unchecked facts and rushed copy. In extreme cases, a journalist can prioritise a story ahead of the truth. Either way, the reputational damage done by a newspaper can be considerable. Newspapers enjoy large and loyal readerships – online and offline – who often take what is printed as gospel. Moreover, when a story is published by one newspaper it often ends up in several others.
The remedies our defamation solicitors can seek on your behalf include: removal, an apology/clarification, damages/compensation, and an undertaking (promise) not to repeat. In matters that go to court we can seek damages and an injunction. In nearly all successful cases, a statement can be made in open court putting the record straight.
There are three mains defences: truth, honest opinion and publication on a matter of public interest (sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Defamation Act 2013) as well as various forms of privilege defences (e.g. the fair and accurate reporting of court or parliamentary proceedings). We will carefully consider the merits of any defence advanced. We will also consider other potential causes of action. These may include malicious falsehood, the misuse of private information and/or breach of confidence and/or breach of data protection rights under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (‘UK GDPR’) and Data Protection Act 2018.
Claims for defamation must normally be brought within 12 months of the publication. This ‘limitation period’ will only be disapplied by the Court in very exceptional circumstances. Therefore, you must act fast to secure vindication, and instruct solicitors as soon as possible. If your complaint concerns a historic press article(s), you may want to consider instructing us to make a ‘right to be forgotten’ to Google and other search engines (and, in certain circumstances, the publisher).
Related Services
- defamation
- harassment
- Defamed on social media
- Defamed on television, radio or podcasts
- Defamed on X/Twitter – Twibel
- Defamed on TikTok
- Wrongly circulated as wanted by the media or on social media
- Defending a defamation claim
- IPSO press complaints
- IPSO arbitration procedure
- Responding to a request for comment by the media
- Inaccurate information on due diligence databases
- Norwich Pharmacal Orders – Identifying the Anonymous
- Privacy, Harassment and Defamation Injunctions
- Online harassment
- Trolling
- Defamed on Facebook
- Defamed on YouTube
- Privacy claims against the press
Recent Reported Cases
How do I instruct Brett Wilson?
The first step is to attend a preliminary consultation. At the consultation we will advise you on the strength of your case, talk through the relevant practical and legal issues, and set out your options. We will review relevant documentation ahead of the consultation. The consultation will help you understand your position and allow you to make an informed decision about what action to take.
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Consultations take place in our London offices or by Teams/Zoom/telephone. We can also travel to you.
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To request a consultation please send us an email, complete our online enquiry form or call us on 020 7183 8950.
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Details of the cost of a consultation will be provided following your enquiry.
We regret that we are unable to review your case, consider papers or provide advice prior to a consultation or without being formally instructed. We do not offer alternative funding arrangements.
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