Elizabeth Hurley Exposes ‘Monstrous’ Privacy Breach by Daily Mail in Hacking Case
Elizabeth Hurley has accused the Daily Mail’s publisher of engaging in severe invasions of her privacy, including phone tapping and unauthorized access to personal medical records. Her allegations surfaced during a high-profile lawsuit that also includes notable figures such as Prince Harry and Elton John.
Details of the Privacy Breach Allegations
During her testimony, Hurley described the experience as akin to “having someone peeping into your life and your home.” She expressed a deep sense of violation, stating it felt like “sinister thieves” were constantly invading her personal space. Hurley highlighted specific unlawful actions purportedly taken by the Daily Mail, saying:
- Illegal tapping of her landline phones
- Installation of hidden microphones outside her home
- Theft of sensitive medical records during her pregnancy
Context of the Lawsuit
Hurley is not alone in her claims. The lawsuit includes additional claimants who accuse Associated Newspapers Ltd. of hiring private investigators to engage in unlawful surveillance over the past two decades. Supporting Hurley during her testimony, Prince Harry recently shared his own emotional struggles regarding media intrusion into his life.
The publisher refutes the allegations, labeling them as “preposterous.” The defense team asserts that their reports were based on legitimate sources, with specific individuals expected to be named during the trial.
Historical Context of the Allegations
Hurley was unaware of any potential wrongdoing by the Daily Mail until 2020 when she learned from Gavin Burrows, a former private investigator, that her information had allegedly been obtained unlawfully for their reports. Burrows has since revoked his previous statements about working for the Daily Mail.
Between 2002 and 2011, Hurley claims that 15 articles published about her relied on illegally obtained information. Topics covered included the birth of her son, Damian, and disputes over paternity with the late film producer Steve Bing.
Implications for Family and Privacy
As Hurley reflected on the situation in court, she expressed distress over the articles potentially impacting her son, who is now a model and actor. She conveyed her regret that he might eventually read these invasive reports and emphasized the ongoing threat to privacy faced by many individuals.
Hurley’s case highlights significant concerns regarding media ethics and the lengths to which some outlets may go to gather information. As the lawsuit unfolds, it aims to shed light on these concerns and the broader impact of privacy breaches in the media landscape.
