Elizabeth Hurley Accuses Daily Mail of Privacy Invasion in British Media Hacking Case
LONDON (AP) - Elizabeth Hurley, a renowned model and actor, has accused the Daily Mail publisher of an appalling breach of privacy, alleging that they bugged her phones, placed microphones outside her windows, and stole her medical records, among other outrageous acts. In a powerful statement, Hurley described the invasion as akin to having someone intrude into her personal space and home, leaving her feeling violated and betrayed.
Her testimony in a high-profile privacy invasion lawsuit, joined by Prince Harry and Elton John, revealed the extent of the alleged surveillance conducted by Associated Newspapers Ltd. over two decades. The lawsuit claims that the company hired private investigators to spy on several high-profile individuals, including Hurley.
Hurley's experience mirrors that of Prince Harry, who had previously expressed the emotional toll of his battle against the British media. The publisher, however, denies these claims, asserting that the articles were based on legitimate sources and will be defended by employees of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday during the trial.
Hurley's legal action is not isolated; she has previously pursued similar phone hacking cases against the publishers of the Daily Mirror and The Sun. In 2020, she was informed that Gavin Burrows, a former private investigator, had made false statements about stealing her information for the newspapers. Burrows has since retracted his statement, denying any association with the Mail.
The lawsuit focuses on 15 articles published between 2002 and 2011, many of which were about the birth of her son, Damian, and the subsequent paternity dispute with his father, the late Steve Bing. Hurley expressed deep distress at the prospect of her son reading these invasive articles, emphasizing the ongoing violation of privacy and the helplessness she feels.
As the trial unfolds, the case highlights the pervasive nature of media intrusion and the potential consequences for individuals' privacy and well-being.
