Daily Mail case update: Why Prince Harry, Elton John and others accuse publisher of 20 years of unlawful activities – here's what UK judge said

Daily Mail lawsuit Prince Harry: The High Court in London is taking its time before delivering a ruling in the high-profile lawsuit brought by Prince Harry, singer Elton John, and six other public figures against the publisher of the Daily Mail, as per a report.

Prince Harry and Elton John Sue Daily Mail: Allegations Against Associated Newspapers - Hacking, Bugging, and Deception

The case, which has been heard over nearly 10 weeks, alleges that Associated Newspapers engaged in widespread unlawful activities, including hacking voicemails, bugging landlines, and obtaining private information by deception, stretching back more than two decades to the early 1990s, as per a Reuters report.

Daily Mail Responds: Publisher Denies Claims

The publisher has dismissed the claims as "preposterous smears," as quoted by Reuters.

Court Hearings: Testimonies from Claimants and Journalists

During the proceedings, judge Matthew Nicklin heard testimony from both the claimants and numerous current and former senior journalists at Associated, which also publishes the Mail on Sunday.

Claimants’ Argument: Culture of Unlawful Journalism

Lawyers for the claimants, including David Sherborne, argued that the publisher fostered a culture in which journalists employed private investigators to carry out illegal activities.

Publisher’s Defense: Allegations Labeled Unfounded

In contrast, the publisher’s lawyer, Antony White, called the claims unsupported, described witnesses as unreliable, and suggested the case was part of a broader conspiracy by those holding a grudge against the press.

Judge Matthew Nicklin Prepares Long-Awaited Ruling

At the conclusion of the trial, Judge Nicklin said, "The remaining task is, of course, now mine," adding that the "Judgment will take some time. After a short break over Easter ... I will be working on the case and the judgment effectively full-time ... so I won't be doing anything else ... and I will be toiling away on the judgment,” as quoted by Reuters.

FAQs

Who is suing the Daily Mail?
Prince Harry, Elton John, and five other high-profile figures are the claimants.

What is the lawsuit about?
The case alleges voicemail hacking, bugging of landlines, and obtaining private information by deception.