I’ve never really thought of Peter Andre as a force to be reckoned with, but apparently that’s exactly what he is. Peter has taken a UK paper to court for libel – and won. In May, The People claimed he’d had an affair with a Jordan look alike in December, when in fact Peter had merely agreed to have his picture taken with her. The paper had to apologize, pay Peter’s legal bills, as well as pay him damages.
A jubilant Peter Andre left the High Court today after winning his legal battle against a Sunday Newspaper. The Australian singer accepted substantial undisclosed legal damages over a report in The People in May which claimed Andre had made inappropriate sexual advances to another woman while still in a relationship with his now-estranged wife Katie Price. The newspaper, owned by the MGN Ltd group, apologised to Andre, admitting the allegations were untrue.
As well as their apology and libel damages, MGN have also agreed to pay Andre’s legal costs. Andre had complained over an article in May – the same month he split from Price – which claimed he had made sexual advances to a Jordan lookalike named Shira Jones in the Movida nightclub last December.
Andre’s solicitor Mike Brookes said his client had briefly met Jones at the venue and gave her friend permission to photograph them together. Speaking to Mr Justice Eady, Brooke said: ‘These allegations were very upsetting and offensive to Mr Andre, as they are untrue.’ MGN solicitor Sarah Toolan, said: ‘The defendant wishes to apologise to Mr Andre and is joining in the making of this statement in the hope that it will assist in setting the record straight.’
Leaving the Royal Courts of Justice this morning, Peter read a statement as he was flanked by his brother Michael and solicitor. He said: ‘This story has led to a lot of speculation about whether I was faithful to my estranged wife, which even led her to mention it on a breakfast television show last week. I have never been unfaithful to my wife, not with this girl or with anyone else. I’m pleased that the Sunday People have now accepted that their story was untrue and hurtful to myself.’ He added: ‘When things are untrue, I have to take action. I’ve not only got an estranged wife, I’ve got kids as well.’
[From the Daily Mail]
The UK papers will print just about anything and misquote as easily as they breathe. It’s no big deal to them to cobble together several interviews to make it sound like a celebrity said something they didn’t, or all-out invent quotes. The good thing is that the process for taking them to court is also much simpler, and it seems like more often than not the celebrity wins. Peter’s made it clear he plans to go after anyone who says –or even implies – that he cheated on Katie Price. Even if that means going after her.
Last week Katie said Peter wasn’t unfaithful “as far as I know.” To him, anything less than an all-out statement of her certainty regarding his absolute fidelity is saying he cheated. The way she phrased it within the context of her entire statement is very passive aggressive and it does seem like she’s trying to implicate he may have done something. But she is so absolutely vague about it there’s no way she said anything out-of-line or libel worthy. Not that I ever want to defend Jordan, mind you. And she’s not one to point any fingers – it was rumored that she possibly cheated on Peter with cage fighter Alex Reid for at least a year while still married.
She’s also clearly been trying to piss him off lately. Yesterday she was spotted trying on wedding dresses – presumably to get attention and be a snot. I’m sure Peter will be trying on some extravagant tuxes this weekend just to top her.
Here’s Katie Price driving her new customized pink horse trailer in Surrey, England on Tuesday, and with Peter outside the High Court in London today. Images thanks to WENN.com .
Good for him. He’s always seemed like a decent, honourable kind of guy. Whereas she is just VILE!
I like him (at least what is shown on national tv). She’s a spoilt what’s name. How many men would take on someone else’s disabled child, loving him as his own? She’s a silly wench, and it’s a shame that she is so willing just to let him go. Once again, screw the kids and I’ll just go have fun! These women make responsible women look bad! Just because Katie can pay her own bills doesn’t make her a good mother! Galavanting around in ridiculous sluttly outfits only speaks to her insecurity. One day, those botox shots ain’t gonna do a dang thing for ya Katie! GO PETER!
I sort of like Peter Andre because of the way he treats Jordan’s disable child Harvey , is not his kid but he is always with him and when he is with his kid’s while Jordan is partying he took Harvey too.
I hope the cleavage-baring lady in the inappropriate slinky top isn’t his solicitor. If so, they sure have gone declasse’ in the courts over there these days. You’d never wear something like that to a real court in the US unless you wanted to lose your case and look very, very cheap.
Um, isn’t dude gay?
In May, The People claimed he’d had an affair with a Jordan look alike in December, when in fact Peter had merely agreed to have his picture taken with her.
Because if I am going to cheat on my spouse, I’m going for an exact f-ing replica.
@gg – Hellz No’z! We’re still el traditiono over here. It’s his long-term manager/assistant/whatever, Claire.
@RuffianSuz – Boy may have the look of a flamer about him but I never thought he batted for that team. Or maybe for both? All I do know is that he was quite the slut back when he had a legitimate career. Andre & Mel B had a steamy affair which is one sex tape I would really not like to see.
The UK papers will print just about anything, eh? I think you mean the UK tabloids. We have serious, reliable newspapers in the UK too, you know.