Nottingham Forest owner sues Crystal Palace over ‘gun banner’
by: Adham Harker
August 13, 2026
Wrongly circulated as wanted by the media or on social media
Has it been misreported that you are linked to a criminal investigation or suspected of an offence? Has your photograph been published next to an article or social media post that has nothing to do with you?
The media and members of the public can perform a valuable role in the detection of crime. However, sometimes they can get it badly wrong with profound consequences.
We have acted in many cases where newspapers, media outlets or social media users have used the wrong photograph or personal details in connection with an article or post covering a criminal investigation or allegation of wrongdoing. This will often be as a result of a simple mistake: photographs getting mixed up or a journalist getting confused between individuals with the same or similar names. Sometimes blame may lie with the police instead of, or as well as, the media. On social media, well-meaning crime stoppers can be overzealous with what they post.
Sloppy journalism or social media vigilantism can be ruinous. Being branded a criminal in a newspaper or online can have a devastating impact on your reputation. In some instances (e.g. where you are accused of sexual offences) it may even put you in physical danger. It is important to act quickly to limit the damage and to seek vindication.
At Brett Wilson we have experts who can help and advise you on the merit of prospective claims for defamation, misuse of private information and harassment against the media and/or social media users.
We can assist with pursuing
- the urgent removal of content online
- Published apologies, corrections and statements in open court
- Undertakings not to republish
- Compensation
Related Services
- defamation
- Defamed by the press
- Defamed on social media
- Defamed on television, radio or podcasts
- Defamed on X/Twitter – Twibel
- Defamed on TikTok
- 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
- Defamed on Facebook
- Defamed on YouTube
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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