Celebrity libel cases fall as media ‘behaves’

Celebrities are turning their backs on libel suits as a way to defend their reputation and curb negative stories, new research suggests.

The number of reported defamation court cases in the UK involving celebrities fell from nine to seven in the 12 months to May.

Those who sued for libel included Big Brother contestant Imogen Thomas, Charlotte Church, Morrissey, and Nancy Dell’Olio.

Legal information providers Sweet & Maxwell attribute the reduction in part to recent changes in the law and better press behaviour after the phone-hacking scandal and the Leveson inquiry.

Korieh Duodu, partner at specialist media law firm David Price Solicitors and Advocates, said: “Phone hacking has put journalistic standards under the microscope.”