Prince Harry is set to confront Rupert Murdoch’s British tabloids in a highly anticipated trial that officially begins on Monday. His lawsuit against News Group Newspapers concerns allegations of unlawful gathering of private information, particularly through the means of cellphone hacking, that reportedly took place from the 1990s to early 2010s. Although Harry is not expected to testify in the early stages, this trial marks an important moment for accountability regarding the media's invasion of privacy.
The initial two weeks will focus on broader issues tied to the practices of the tabloids during the time when they allegedly targeted various celebrities, including Prince Harry himself. The case aims to reveal methods employed by executives to obscure and potentially destroy evidence of such unethical practices.
Amid shifting allegiances, Prince Harry now stands as one of the only two remaining plaintiffs from an initial group of around 40, following a series of settlements involving other prominent figures, such as actor Hugh Grant. Tom Watson, a former Labour Party deputy leader who claims his phone was hacked for political motives, is set to give testimony alongside Harry.
Prince Harry has expressed his determination not to reach a settlement, emphasizing that this trial represents a crucial opportunity for him to hold the press accountable for its darkest conduct. He remarked, “One of the main reasons for seeing this through is accountability, because I am the last person that can actually achieve that,” during an appearance at The New York Times's DealBook Summit.
With these proceedings, the outcome may not only affect Harry and the media mogul Rupert Murdoch but could also set significant precedents impacting the landscape of British journalism moving forward.
The initial two weeks will focus on broader issues tied to the practices of the tabloids during the time when they allegedly targeted various celebrities, including Prince Harry himself. The case aims to reveal methods employed by executives to obscure and potentially destroy evidence of such unethical practices.
Amid shifting allegiances, Prince Harry now stands as one of the only two remaining plaintiffs from an initial group of around 40, following a series of settlements involving other prominent figures, such as actor Hugh Grant. Tom Watson, a former Labour Party deputy leader who claims his phone was hacked for political motives, is set to give testimony alongside Harry.
Prince Harry has expressed his determination not to reach a settlement, emphasizing that this trial represents a crucial opportunity for him to hold the press accountable for its darkest conduct. He remarked, “One of the main reasons for seeing this through is accountability, because I am the last person that can actually achieve that,” during an appearance at The New York Times's DealBook Summit.
With these proceedings, the outcome may not only affect Harry and the media mogul Rupert Murdoch but could also set significant precedents impacting the landscape of British journalism moving forward.
