Celebrities Fight Back against the Tabloids

While some celebrities may consider any publicity to be good publicity, certain celebrities beg to differ.  The tabloids maintain their competitive edge in the defamation department despite the fact that today the avenues for libel have broad access through Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and other social media.  A long list of celebrities has sued and many have threatened lawsuits against the tabloids for libel, some of whom include the following:

• Sharon Osbourne sued The Sun for reporting that she was driving her husband Ozzy Osbourne to destruction through overwork until he dies on stage
• Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie sued the London tabloid News of the World for spreading false rumors that they planned to separate, divide assets, and make child custody arrangements
• Britney Spears sued US Weekly for libel over allegations that she and husband Kevin Federline created a sex tape that they showed to their lawyers
• Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony sued the National Enquirer over claims connecting them with a drug scandal (CBS News)
• Katie Holmes sued American Media for alleging she was on drugs
• Katy Perry sued an Australian tabloid AW over allegations of an extramarital affair that never occurred
• David Beckham sued In Touch Weekly for claiming he had wild sex with hookers
• Kate Winslet sued Daily Mail for alleging that she lied about her fitness program and for writing an article that portrayed her in a damaging light
• Kim Kardashian threatened to sue In Touch Magazine if it ran a story that she was cheating on her fiancé

Tabloids typically sensationalize stories to sell copies, but like everyone else, celebrities can suffer damage to their careers and reputation through libel.

A libel suit is a type of personal injury litigation brought against parties spreading untruths that damage an individual’s reputation.  Libel occurs through the written word and publishing media such as print, photos, film, television, or other media.  Individuals subject to libel can sue for general damages including emotional distress, loss of reputation, humiliation, and more.  They can also sue for financial losses affecting their property, profession, or business.  In cases where the court may want to set an example because intent behind the libel is malicious, plaintiffs can seek exemplary damages.

While celebrities are often the target of libel, it can harm anyone.  For example, if a Warren newspaper were to falsely accuse a construction mogul of wrongdoing that led to a major construction accident or slip and fall injury, that newspaper would likely face a libel lawsuit.  To discuss libel or other types of personal injury, consult a Sterling Heights injury law lawyers.  Your Macomb, Warren, and Sterling Heights personal injury lawyers