Beckham awarded damages over tabloid's adultery claims
Beckham awarded damages over tabloid's adultery claims
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Tuesday, 23, Jun 2009 10:55
By Lewis Bazley.
David Beckham has been awarded substantial undisclosed libel damages from the Daily Star over claims he "made a play" for a Hungarian model.
An April 30th article entitled Becks & The Blonde Beauty suggested the former England football captain had approached Mariann Fogarassy after a recent AC Milan match and invited her to a private party which was due to take place in Milan.
The newspaper published an apology earlier this month, accepting the story was "completely untrue".
"We unreservedly apologise to both David Beckham and to his family for making these allegations and for any distress and embarrassment our article has caused," the apology added.
"We have also agreed to pay his legal costs."
The midfielder, who will return to Los Angeles Galaxy to play in Major League Soccer from mid-July, has today received undisclosed libel damages from the tabloid over its erroneous claims.
Beckham's lawyer Gerald Tyrell told Mr Justice Eady the newspaper's allegations were serious and defamatory.
Kate Wilson, counsel for Express Group Newspapers, reiterated the Star's apology to Beckham and his family for the distress, embarrassment and injury caused by the incorrect claims.
Beckham and his Spice Girls singer spouse Victoria earlier this month received an apology at London's high court after their former nanny disclosed confidential information about the couple.
Abbie Gibson, who worked for the celebrity pair between 2003 and 2005, has now agreed to give "permanent undertakings of confidentiality" to the Beckhams.