Harry & Meghan: Legal Actions against the Media

[ACO]

Originally Posted by Zaira

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...-mirror-meghan

Worth pointing out that the media is speculating the claims relate to hacking, from the early 2000s, but nothing has been confirmed and no public briefing available yet.

From what I gathered it was confirmed by the palace it is over hacked voicemails. It seems this is the old case and Harry is seeking legal action now.

Originally Posted by sophie25

You've got to ask what the end game of this this is going to be. Say he wins these court cases, then what? Does he think he can press the reset button with the media? They will make a point of crucifying him and Meghan forever more and despite the phone hacking and use of the letter by the M on S being the official reasons for Harry's actions it's the constant criticism of his wife that this is about. Unfortunately for him criticising people is not illegal, indeed these court cases are only going to escalate it. Goodness knows where it will all end but it may well be with him leaving the royal family and moving abroad. I actually can't see how they will be able to continue after this. The media will never, ever play ball with them again and they need it to publicise what they do. It's a disaster IMO.

You are right that criticizing people is not illegal but hacking and publishing private property without consent are and that is where they are hitting them. The Sussexes are taking very real legal actions where they can.

Some members of the media already have threatened to not cover their stuff. If that is what they want.... go for it. Will be interesting to see how long it lasts. No one should not do what is right in fear that the people who wronged you will retaliate. This is now up to the courts.

[Dalriada]

So what happens now?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49940905
A new thread for this particular legal action just like all the others outside the jurisdiction of BH.

[sophie25]

Originally Posted by Elenath

Well not doing anything won't help either. They are drawing the line and I applaud them for it. The gutter press in the UK wouldn't even recognize a line if it hit them in the face. So now at least they tried.

Well yes he can do what he likes but I don't think he's looking at the long term picture. The bottom line is he hates them criticising Meghan so he decides to p.. s them off even more. As I said, even if he wins, so what? Maybe these papers won't ever phone hack again or use private correspondence in a story but the day after the trial they are free to resume tearing the Sussex's apart and I'm sure they will do it with glee.

[soapstar]

Just a reminder. This thread is about Harry and Meghan and their legal action against media outlets. Let’s stay away from rehashing the events leading up to H&M’s wedding and Meghan's relationship with her dad. Let’s also stop with the speculation that the BRF are against the Sussexes/behind some of the negative headlines. Any further off-topic comments will be deleted.

[wyevale]

One Court case looks fine.. three looks like 'overkill' to many.

None of this will quiet the Press who [as sophie25 has noted] will simply resume, with renewed vigour after the cases are done [win or lose].

[Osipi]

Originally Posted by sophie25

You've got to ask what the end game of this this is going to be. Say he wins these court cases, then what? Does he think he can press the reset button with the media? They will make a point of crucifying him and Meghan forever more and despite the phone hacking and use of the letter by the M on S being the official reasons for Harry's actions it's the constant criticism of his wife that this is about. Unfortunately for him criticising people is not illegal, indeed these court cases are only going to escalate it. Goodness knows where it will all end but it may well be with him leaving the royal family and moving abroad. I actually can't see how they will be able to continue after this. The media will never, ever play ball with them again and they need it to publicise what they do. It's a disaster IMO.

Looking at the end game from my point of view is that even win or lose the cases, the cases are perhaps going to make the general public more aware of just what games these people that have, what seems like, no scruples are playing. Its standing up and taking bullying to a global level with as much popularity the Sussex family is garnering right now. With the public following these court cases and seeing actual legal reasons for filing lawsuits in the first place, more and more people will be aware that they're being fed half truths, exaggerated, malicious and even totally fabricated stories and cease to pay attention to these publications.

I do not *ever* see Harry leaving the royal family or leaving the UK as the both of them have a lot of work they want to get done and will continue doing so. If anyone is going to lose out in various ways, its the defendants in these cases. I'd not be surprised if even those that advertise in these mediums pull their ads out.

The British monarchy, as an institution, has been around for over 1000 years. The fourth estate is losing more and more ground as time passes. I'll place my bet on the British monarchy any day.

[sophie25]

Originally Posted by ACO

From what I gathered it was confirmed by the palace it is over hacked voicemails. It seems this is the old case and Harry is seeking legal action now.



You are right that criticizing people is not illegal but hacking and publishing private property without consent are and that is where they are hitting them. The Sussexes are taking very real legal actions where they can.

Some members of the media already have threatened to not cover their stuff. If that is what they want.... go for it. Will be interesting to see how long it lasts. No one should not do what is right in fear that the people who wronged you will retaliate. This is now up to the courts.

I know that phone hacking etc is illegal but my point is that these court cases have clearly been launched due to his anger at Meghan being criticised. I think it's obvious that in the long term this will only cause the criticism to escalate but it's entirely up to Harry to what he wants to do.

[ACO]

Why should it matter if the press are quiet? They shouldn't commit illegal acts regardless. It seems kind of strange that is the angle people are going with. Don't hold these publications accountable so they don't talk badly about you. We all know they will anyways so might as well push back.

[sophie25]

Originally Posted by ACO

Why should it matter if the press are quiet? They shouldn't commit illegal acts regardless. It seems kind of strange that is the angle people are going with. Don't hold these publications accountable so they don't talk badly about you. We all know they will anyways so might as well push back.

I didn't say the press should commit illegal acts, when did I say that? I am pointing out that Harry wants to hammer the press for criticising his wife but ultimately he can't stop it even if he wins in court and that afterwards his relationship with them will probably be irreparable BUT I also said that he is entitled to act as he sees fit.

[Ista]

Originally Posted by Elenath

Well not doing anything won't help either. They are drawing the line and I applaud them for it. The gutter press in the UK wouldn't even recognize a line if it hit them in the face. So now at least they tried.

But drawing the line on what? If Harry's phone was hacked, that absolutely is worth going to court over, as well as the copyright issue. The question a lot of us have been asking, however, remains: what is the Sussexes desired end result? I'm very curious to see how this all plays out, because, as sophie25 points out, while taking these companies to court for their alleged shady practices may be the right thing to do, that doesn't mean those tabloids will let up on portraying the Sussexes in a negative light--which is the part that actually seems to be enraging Harry.

[Zaira]

Let's not fall into the alarmist tone the media wants us to. The media is the one making threats, gaslighting and acting terrible. But Harry is largely following a template followed by other family members. He isn't suing for libel. But for specific illegal actions.

The British tabloids have been a blight on journalism for a longtime, dragging the whole industry with them in the never ending drive for profit.

If the papers don't want to cover Harry and Meghan, that is their choice. But somehow, I think the $$$$$ they get from those two will be rather too much to pass up.

Originally Posted by ACO

From what I gathered it was confirmed by the palace it is over hacked voicemails. It seems this is the old case and Harry is seeking legal action now.



You are right that criticizing people is not illegal but hacking and publishing private property without consent are and that is where they are hitting them. The Sussexes are taking very real legal actions where they can.

Some members of the media already have threatened to not cover their stuff. If that is what they want.... go for it. Will be interesting to see how long it lasts. No one should not do what is right in fear that the people who wronged you will retaliate. This is now up to the courts.

The palace has refused to say what the claims are actually pending further briefing.

[Ista]

Originally Posted by Zaira

Let's not fall into the alarmist tone the media wants us to. The media is the one making threats, gaslighting and acting terrible. But Harry is largely following a template followed by other family members. He isn't suing for libel. But for specific illegal actions.

The British tabloids have been a blight on journalism for a longtime, dragging the whole industry with them in the never ending drive for profit.

If the papers don't want to cover Harry and Meghan, that is their choice. But somehow, I think the $$$$$ they get from those two will be rather too much to pass up.

I don't think anyone is arguing with Harry and Meghan's right to sue, or arguing that what the DM, Mirror and Sun were alleged to have done is all right, so I see no need to drag all the other BRF into the discussion. I think what muddies the waters here is Harry's letter, which on account of its timing, does make one question what the hoped for outcome is, because the legal action and the letter clearly are related, at least in his mind. To your point about the papers continuing to cover the Sussexes, I'm sure they will. What the coverage consists of will be the question.

[Charlie1224]

Originally Posted by Ista

But drawing the line on what? If Harry's phone was hacked, that absolutely is worth going to court over, as well as the copyright issue. The question a lot of us have been asking, however, remains: what is the Sussexes desired end result? I'm very curious to see how this all plays out, because, as sophie25 points out, while taking these companies to court for their alleged shady practices may be the right thing to do, that doesn't mean those tabloids will let up on portraying the Sussexes in a negative light--which is the part that actually seems to be enraging Harry.

I think while that upsets him, what really enrages him is the lack of proper remedy to address terrible behavior. Like what happened with The Sun this week. They had a legal victory and prove that original story was a lie, but how many people will see the required apology that was buried in the fine print?

My view is it's about exposing the shadiness and nastiness at this point. Ultimately, paper can write whatever they want. If the first things comes to people's mind when hearing the paper's name is that they are shady and they lie, it wouldn't matter what the tabloids say. As much as I want to say people should know better, that's just not how it works. Most people who aren't actively following BRF DO need to hear it and see it to get it.

Honestly, given some other recent scandals involving media behavior, one of which Prince Harry made a statement about on IG, I think it's the general practice of the tabloids he's taking issues with.

[ACO]

Originally Posted by sophie25

I didn't say the press should commit illegal acts, when did I say that? I am pointing out that Harry wants to hammer the press for criticising his wife but ultimately he can't stop it even if he wins in court and that afterwards his relationship with them will probably be irreparable BUT I also said that he is entitled to act as he sees fit.

I agree with you the media will not stop attacking her but we don't how it will effect the press or the royals. Years ago when the hacking scandal occurred it did change things for a while. Times have changed but a scandal is a scandal. And in these times so is the bottomline.

I don't think Harry is under the delusion he can really go against the tabloid press but he can hurt them somewhat especially if this particular hacking case goes to trial. They tend to always settle because these companies do not want to expose themselves.

So it will be interesting. More so than the copyright, IMO.

[O-H Anglophile]

Originally Posted by Osipi

Looking at the end game from my point of view is that even win or lose the cases, the cases are perhaps going to make the general public more aware of just what games these people that have, what seems like, no scruples are playing. Its standing up and taking bullying to a global level with as much popularity the Sussex family is garnering right now. With the public following these court cases and seeing actual legal reasons for filing lawsuits in the first place, more and more people will be aware that they're being fed half truths, exaggerated, malicious and even totally fabricated stories and cease to pay attention to these publications.

I read one article that stated exactly that-that this going to trial will raise awareness. Many people have sued for phone hacking, but almost all the cases were settled before they ended up in court. So millions of dollars have been paid out, but the public hasn't really heard the dirty deeds that the newspapers are involved in.

[wyevale]

^ The unfortunate reality is that its far easier to encourage/direct dislike toward an individual than against a bloc, such as the Tabloids, Few know or care about Lord Rothermere, but all know the Duchess...and an Instagram account is 'chickenfeed' compared to the daily readership of the newspapers and their online manifestations.

[Zaira]

Originally Posted by Ista

I don't think anyone is arguing with Harry and Meghan's right to sue, or arguing that what the DM, Mirror and Sun were alleged to have done is all right, so I see no need to drag all the other BRF into the discussion. I think what muddies the waters here is Harry's letter, which on account of its timing, does make one question what the hoped for outcome is, because the legal action and the letter clearly are related, at least in his mind. To your point about the papers continuing to cover the Sussexes, I'm sure they will. What the coverage consists of will be the question.

My point was largely that many are acting like Harry's actions are somehow on the extreme end and that there will be no going back--BUT multiple members of his family have sued for similar things so he isn't actually doing something super new or extreme and the impact on the reporting will be what is.

But as someone else mentioned, this is a public campaign basically. People *know* the tabloids lie but sometimes you need it to be clearly demonstrated in the public arena for it to stick. The tabloids have more power in the UK than they do in most other media markets. Publicly discrediting them seems to be the goal as a way to get the public to both remember the past actions of the tabloid media and see how things have NOT actually changed. More reform is needed.

And frankly, the Mirror and Sun are both in very very tight financial positions. I am not sure they can withstand a big public trial or beating. I think Harry is being pretty strategic with his hits here.

Now the MoS/DM can probably withstand a lot more given their wide viewership so that will be interesting...

[ACO]

Originally Posted by wyevale

^ The unfortunate reality is that its far easier to encourage/direct dislike toward an individual than against a bloc, such as the Tabloids, Few know or care about Lord Rothermere, but all know the Duchess...and an Instagram account is 'chickenfeed' compared to the daily readership of the newspapers and their online manifestations.

Well that can shift over the course of a public trial if it goes that far. People have long memories and the actions of the press of late toward others like the outing of Gareth Thomas has people seeing things in different ways.

Will it happen? Who knows. Time will certainly tell but having it splashed globally that Harry is suing the tabloid for allegedly hacking his phone will create a dialogue especially when it is the same papers who call his wife vulgar for wearing a dress and eating an avocado.

And financially this can hurt some of these publications.

[Kataryn]

Originally Posted by Dman

Both brothers have reflected on the horrible treatment of their mother within their efforts to make sure their wives and family aren’t treated in the same manner. That’s their right to bring their mother into situations like this. She’s their mother.

Harry isn’t ignoring his advisors. That the outside forces twisted narrative that some people are buying.

I’m taken aback on how folks are offended by Harry standing up to the media over the completely unacceptable treatment of his wife. What they want him to do? stay silent and just let it happen for the sake of not getting on the bad side of the press? Allow the MoS to just do what they want with his wife’s private letter? I mean, really? What do people want from this couple?

Such good and necessary questions!!

I don't think H&M are so naive to think they can reform the tabloids. Clearly the tabloids are just the reaction to a need of a certain part of the public. If this public would react annoyed or even quit reading, the editors would follow them trying to gain their readers back.

So no, I don't think the "media" is the sole point of "attack" for H&M. They want their privacy. They want to raise their son in peace. They want to use the public interest in them to help charitable efforts to gain public attention.Where does it say you can't have your privacy when you want the media for your aims? Especially if your aims are not or your own but for others?

I don't see the need of the "public" to find out more of H&M's life than they are willing to give. So I hope this is onely the first of a lot of legal proceedings till the tabloids understand what is news and what isn't! (No, I don't think they will learn about the value of the truth ever. When there are so many, many stores available otherwise).

[tausi]

Originally Posted by Dman

Both brothers have reflected on the horrible treatment of their mother within their efforts to make sure their wives and family aren’t treated in the same manner. That’s their right to bring their mother into situations like this. She’s their mother.

Harry isn’t ignoring his advisors. That the outside forces twisted narrative that some people are buying.

I’m taken aback on how folks are offended by Harry standing up to the media over the completely unacceptable treatment of his wife. What they want him to do? stay silent and just let it happen for the sake of not getting on the bad side of the press? Allow the MoS to just do what they want with his wife’s private letter? I mean, really? What do people want from this couple?

How do you know that Harry is not ignoring his advisors or he is? We should all stick to facts anything else is speculative, well intentioned or not.

I am curious to a question, but no one in this forum knows except Harry and his advisors!

We can all speculate without speaking as a matter of fact

Sometimes keeping quite is the hardest thing to do and not always react or fight when there is no big wins. That’s my opinion, off course.