Liz Hurley Accuses Daily Mail Publisher of Eavesdropping Via Bugged Windowsill
Elizabeth Hurley has made serious allegations against the publisher of the Daily Mail, claiming that her windowsill was bugged and her landline tapped. During her emotional testimony at the high court, Hurley described the distress caused by “deeply hurtful and damaging” articles about her from 2002 to 2011.
Details of the Allegations
Hurley is part of a group of seven prominent figures suing Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. Her accusations focus on unlawful information gathering methods used by the publisher, which include:
- Bugging her home windows
- Tapping her landline phones
- Recording live telephone conversations
- Stealing her medical information during her pregnancy
In court, she stated, “Above all, it was the discovery that the Mail had tapped the landlines of my home phones that devastated me.”
Associated Newspapers’ Response
ANL has denied all allegations, labeling them as “lurid” and “preposterous.” The publisher argues that Hurley’s claims are unsupported and baseless, suggesting that her research team is attempting to fabricate a case against them using discredited information.
The Role of Witness Statements
Central to ANL’s defense is a witness statement from private investigator Gavin Burrows, which Hurley described as “painful to read.” Hurley expressed her concerns about the possibility that conversations close to her were being leaked. She stated, “Yes, there were leaks, but they were not from my friends.”
Legal Arguments Presented in Court
Antony White, ANL’s lead barrister, challenged Hurley’s assertions, claiming that information in the articles was legally obtained from various sources. He presented evidence suggesting her friends had openly shared information with journalists, which Hurley disputed. She maintained that any quotes from friends were benign and consented.
Context of the Trial
This case is part of a larger legal battle involving other high-profile individuals, including Prince Harry, Elton John, and Doreen Lawrence. Prince Harry has attended several days of the trial to support his fellow claimants. ANL contends that the claimants have delayed taking action, which could undermine their case.
Continuing Developments
The trial is ongoing, with further evidence expected. The outcomes of these allegations could have significant implications for the media’s conduct and privacy rights in the UK.
