Matt Lucas wins apology and substantial damages from the Daily Mail
Entertainment & media
Apology | 16 December 2010
Matt Lucas has obtained a public apology and substantial damages from Associated Newspapers Limited, the publisher of the Daily Mail, as a result of the publication of a grossly intrusive article following the death of his former husband, Kevin McGee.
Mr Lucas had sued the Daily Mail for invasion of privacy as a result of article entitled ‘How Matt Lucas learnt to laugh again’ published on 1 March 2010.
Mr Lucas was understandably very upset and distressed by the publication of the article. The article constituted an unlawful intrusion into Mr Lucas’ grief and suffering and an invasion of his privacy. The article was particularly damaging as a result of the fact that it contained a number of untrue allegations, including the complete fabrications that Mr Lucas had ignored Mr McGee’s calls, had become a virtual recluse and was hosting a large birthday party to ‘move on’.
Matt Lucas issued a statement through his lawyers, Schillings, saying:
“This has been and continues to be a very difficult time for me and all those who loved Kevin. My deep pain and sorrow have been made even greater by the intrusive and defamatory stories made about my private life in The Daily Mail. I had no choice but to bring these proceedings to protect my private life and my right to grieve in peace. I’d like to add that I take no pleasure or sense of triumph in this settlement. I am just relieved that this case has been resolved and I sincerely hope this sort of intrusive reporting will now end.”
Mr Lucas’ lawyer, John Kelly of Schillings, said:
“The publication of this article caused Mr Lucas considerable upset and distress and constitutes a gross invasion of his privacy and intrusion into his grief. The Daily Mail did not provide Mr Lucas with any warning that it intended to publish the article or its contents. Had it done so Mr Lucas would have objected to publication.”
The Daily Mail published an apology in the newspaper and on its website acknowledging that its article “caused great upset to Mr Lucas which we did not intend and regret” and retracting the false allegations, saying “We accept this was not the case and apologise to Mr Lucas”. The Daily Mail has also agreed to pay Mr Lucas substantial damages and his legal costs.
Apology by Daily Mail:
"An article (March 1) 'How Matt Lucas learned to laugh again' caused great upset to Mr Lucas which we did not intend and regret. The article on Mr Lucas' return to public life following the tragic death of Kevin McGee suggested he had ignored Kevin's calls, became a virtual recluse, and hosted a birthday party to 'move on'. We accept this was not the case and apologise to Mr Lucas."