David Beckham’s libel suit dismissed
February 16th, 2011 - 3:48 pm ICT by IANS
London, Feb 16 (IANS) Soccer ace David Beckham’s libel lawsuit against a US showbiz magazine has been dismissed.Last year In Touch published a story claiming the footballer had cheated on his wife Victoria several times with a prostitute — a charge which he has denied.
Judge Manuel Real ruled that Beckham didn’t show any evidence that the magazine published the story to damage him, reports bbc.co.uk.
In the US, someone suing for libel has to prove the publication meant to harm them, which is called “actual malice”.
The judge said any allegations of cheating by the star would be of interest to the public. However, Beckham claimed that the facts in the magazine were all wrong and he was actually with his sick father on one of the occasions he was stated to have been with the prostitute Irma Nici, said the report on the BBC website.
In court papers, the 35-year-old argues he was actually with his sick father on one of the occasions he was stated to have been with the prostitute Irma Nici.
“We were left with two hands tied behind our back for the purposes of this motion,” said Beckham’s lawyer after the ruling.
- Becks' $25m lawsuit over 'cheating claims' thrown out - Feb 15, 2011
- Becks lodges appeal to overturn court decision to throw out libel case - Mar 18, 2011
- Becks files lawsuit over claims he cheated on his wife with a hooker - Dec 31, 2010
- Beckham counter-sued by sex worker - Feb 20, 2011
- Beckham denies affair with prostitute, sues US magazine - Dec 31, 2010
- Becks 'told to pay legal costs of US mag over tart lies' - Apr 11, 2011
- David Beckham's sex case gets murkier - Jan 23, 2011
- Hooker who claims she bedded Becks could face lie detector test - Sep 26, 2010
- Beckham nails prostitute's claims - Jan 17, 2011
- Despite David Beckham's threat to sue In Touch Magazine, the magazine reveals more details about his affair - Sep 24, 2010
- Becks 'to serve hooker with $25m writ for damages' - Sep 26, 2010
- David Beckham Sex Scandal Accusations Broadened by 'In Touch' Magazine - Sep 24, 2010
- Becks is Counter-Sued: Hooker Irma Nici Sues David Beckham - Oct 04, 2010
- Beckham sues tabloid over sex claims - Sep 26, 2010
- David remains focus on bringing lying prostitute to justice - Oct 04, 2010
Tags: ace, actual malice, allegations, bbc, bbc website, david beckham, footballer, irma, lawyer, libel lawsuit, libel suit, london feb, nici, occasions, prostitute, several times, showbiz, sick father, two hands, wife victoria